The life of Sir Aglovale de Galis

LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA
SAN DIEGO

THE LIFE OF
SIR AGLOVALE DE GALIS

THE LIFE OF

SIR AGLOVALE DE GALIS

BY

CLEMENCE HOUSMAN

METHUEN & CO.

36 ESSEX STREET W.C.

LONDON

First Published in 1905

TO
ROBERT HOLDEN HOUSMAN

" Thanks be to God for my good brother, who has blessed this
life of mine."—C.H.

" vy THEN a man truly perceiveth and considereth himself
yy who and what he is, and findeth himself utterly vile
and wicked and unworthy, he falleth into such a deep
abasement that it seemeth to him reasonable that all creatures
in heaven and earth should rise up against him. And therefore
he will not and dare not desire any consolation and release,
but he is willing to be unconsoled and unreleased; and he
doth not grieve over his sufferings, for they are right in his
eyes, and he hath nothing to say against them. This is what
is meant by true repentance for sin, and he who in this present
time entereth into this hell, none may console him. Now, God
hath not forsaken a man in this hell, but He is laying His hand
upon him that the man may not desire nor regard anything
but the Eternal Good only. And then, when the man neither
careth nor desireth anything but the Eternal Good alone, and
seeketh not himself nor his own things, but the honour of God
only, he is made a partaker of all manner of joy, bliss, grace,
rest, and consolation, and so the man is henceforth in the
kingdom of heaven. This hell and this heaven are two good
safe ways for a man, and happy is he who truly findeth them."
— Theologia Germanica.

THE LIFE OF

SIR AGLOVALE DE GALIS

CHAPTER I

THE first record of Aglovale shows him in boyhood
tilting among others with his younger brother Lamorak.
Under conduct of old squires the boys trained on
the castle green, watched from above by fair, kind critics,
damsels and dames, one a queen. Aglovale, then in early
teens, held his own with sufficient address among his fellows
to take the lead that was fitting his birth. Young Lamorak
in due time hurled against him ; and Aglovale, the elder by
a year, the taller by a head, went shocked over his horse's
tail. Loud sprang cheers from the rest, and on high white
hands fluttered applause.

When later the boys ranked for the mellay, King Pellinore,
with an honoured guest, young King Arthur, came out to watch,
and the Queen, descending, stood with them under the gateway.
Throughout the tough game the names of the rival brothers
were calling. " Lamorak, Lamorak," rang like the beat of steel ;
less strong for a rallying cry tossed the name of Aglovale.

Behind his leader, little Durnor rollicked along heedless of
danger, was rescued by Aglovale, was spared by Lamorak, till
he and his cob tumbled perilously, and he was led away perforce,
despite his valiant laughter and tears.

Fortune went with Lamorak, for his emulation was a
contagious ardour ; while Aglovale, nervous and dour, did little
to stay defeat.

B I

2 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Then the Queen, proud of her dearest son Lamorak, told
how he had forejusted his elder; thereupon King Pellinore,
well pleased also, called the pair out to run a course before
King Arthur.

" You are fit enough, boys ? "

" Yes, yes, sire ! " shouted Lamorak, passing fain and eager.

Aglovale said nothing ; he was badly bruised, but he would
not plead. So matched with his younger he could get no
credit, Lamorak could get no shame. Deep, then, bit the snake
that poisoned his life thereafter. He set his teeth and wheeled
for position. " Lamorak, Lamorak," hammered heavy on his
heart, and his own name scarcely could he hear as their young
fellows shouted.

Down went Lamorak. No fault was his, for his girths were
rotten and broke. He rose fierce and clamorous, and sprang
to the first horse that offered, eager to dispute his brother's
nominal advantage. Aglovale claimed none. "Though a
back should break," swore Lamorak, " 'tis not I shall quit the
saddle." Again they ran ; and Aglovale, the elder by a year,
the taller by a head, went shocked over his horse's tail. How
" Lamorak, Lamorak " rang !

Away pranced the gallant boy ; he saluted the Kings, the
Queen ; he flung off and sprang up to the mother, bareheaded
for her kiss.

Aglovale stood up mute as death, came on foot, leading his
horse, saluted, and passed. Arthur spoke kindly, commending
both. The Queen looked after her son with tardy compunc-
tion, and when she saw him standing apart, stepped down and
crossed to him over the green, pacing slow with folded arms ;
for in those days she went heavily with a double burden that
proved to be Percivale and his sister Saint.

" Are you hurt, my son ? "

He lied, saying, " No."

Her kind, grave eyes questioned his sombre countenance.

" By this is a noble knight shown : that he rises with no
rancour from a fair overthrow ; that he admires the force that
can bring him down ; that he knows no base envy."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 3

Aglovale breathed patiently. He dared not out with
another word lest the shame of weeping should attend. In
his heart he cried, " Does he love you more than I, that you
should love him more than me ? "

"Ah, Aglovale," said the Queen, wistfully, "a degree of
excellence you might have brought from the ground, though
Lamorak from the selle brought more. Then had I been a
happier mother and proud of both my sons."

Aglovale quivered and hung his head silent; and she
turned away sighing over his evil temper. From the incoherent
conscience of youth he could not declare how the intolerable
bitterness of overthrow lay in her balancing his loss so lightly
against Lamorak's gain.

Yet then and afterwards, for all the Devil did with Aglovale,
never could, he kindle in him the least spark of hatred against
his brother Lamorak.

On a day not long after, the Queen sent for Aglovale to
her chamber, and showed him, pacing the court below, King
Pellinore and a stranger, whose hand rested on his shoulder,
whose face was addressed to him as the moon's to her earth,
whose voice and laughter rang the tune of close and familiar
friendship.

" That is Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, a good knight that I
would you should love and honour."

Then with her arm round the boy's neck she told how that
friendship sprang : young Sir Griflet, on the first day of knight-
hood, sought to win worship of King Pellinore, who first
refused him, warning him of his might ; and when he would
not be stayed, lightly smote him down ; and then the King
took him up nigh slain, gave him wind, and set him on his
horse again, commending him for his great heart. And there-
after, she said, Sir Griflet loved and worshipped him greatly.

Aglovale sighed against her heart. He understood; and
he willed to love and worship Sir Griflet.

That good Queen did not herself fail to be gracious and
generous when within her woman's sphere she was tried.
From the wedding of Arthur and Guenever, King Pellinore

4 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

returned with a goodly young knight, his new-found son Tor,
the love-child he to a peasant girl had given, and she to her
man Aries the cowherd, eighteen years before. Here may not
enter the full tale of how noble blood sent Tor from the low
estate of his mother, with a bold request straight to the presence
of his unguessed father ; and how Arthur gave him knighthood
before his own nephew Gawaine, and was justified straightway
by his noble deeds, while Gawaine fell to disgrace. All this is
written in the books of my most dear Master whom I love
so much.

The Queen, large-hearted, greeted her lord's son sweetly,
fairly, without misgiving for his peasant mother. She found
for him room in her good grace next her own sons, aye, in
the end above one, and he her firstborn ; for Tor had touches
of his father, was gentle, courteous, of good parts, passing true
of his promise ; and he never did outrage.

Aglovale's likeness to his father was but in strong hawk
features and swarthy skin. The stately build inherited by Tor
was not to be his; manhood could hardly redeem the lank
and awkward sprouting of his youth. Lamorak, in the bloom
of boyish grace, preluded the man of perfect strength and
beauty, whose fine force and prowess ranked him equal with
great Launcelot, and Tristram biggest of Arthur's knights.

Still, as the boys grew Lamorak gained over Aglovale;
and Tor — the strong, admirable Tor himself — freely owned
that the day would soon come when he, too, would be bettered
of his brother ; and Pellinore of himself said the same in his
heart.

From their blunt play the boys went early to the sharp
work of battle. When Danes and Irish landed in hosts against
Arthur and ravaged from North Wales, Pellinore, staying for
larger levies, sent on Tor with a troop of his best knights ;
and Aglovale and Lamorak, as young squires, attended on their
bastard brother.

A horrid foretaste they had when by night the active Irish
rushed the unwary camp where in the midst lay Guenever
withal. From shrouds of destruction Tor cut them out,

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 5

and with him they headed a desperate stand to bar the way
that the Queen had gone, with but four to defend her : Arthur,
Kay the foster brother, Gawaine, and Griflet.

Step by step, stubborn Tor and his poor few gave back
before heavy odds, till the night went blind, and broken and
dispersed through the forest they fought or fled. Aglovale
and Lamorak held together, swept away from Tor's voice by
a surge of rattling steel. Joining in breathless rallies that
scattered again with loss, wounded, horsed, and unhorsed,
spent with the weight of harness, through that dreadful night
they endured a dark, inglorious struggle.

About dawn as they fell into a broad greenway, a foul
knight came by who spurred upon Aglovale. His weary arm
beat down the spear; it missed his side, pierced his thigh
clean through, bore him to earth and broke. Then Lamorak,
savage, houghed the horse without scruple, and stood before
his brother in stout defence. Aglovale on his knees fought
too. Down the greenway came the tramp of riders whose
call was " Stranggore," and some spurred forward to the
boys at bay. Aglovale called for rescue, but Lamorak cried,
" Let be, let be ! I will deal in full payment." And even as he
spoke, with a stroke deep through the gorget, he ended his
work.

Fresh come at need here rode King Bagdemagus and his
knights of Stranggore, with news of Pellinore following up
from the south; with news of Tor whose driven foes they
circled to head ; but of Guenever and her four without news.
By him the sons of Pellinore were not left horseless to foul
murderers of the wounded ; though scarcely might Aglovale ride
for his hurt wherein the truncheon stack. To stay him from
a fall a young squire of his age came to ride on the one side,
as Lamorak rode on the other : this was Meliagraunce, son
to King Bagdemagus.

On they rode under sky-dawn for the edge of the forest.
And as the broad Humber opened ahead, flashing to the tide's
uprush, helms golden in the first sun moved forward down
a silver glade. Here shone lost Arthur and his fellows with a

6 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

gathering troop ; he, Gawaine, and Griflet each bore token of
a king he had slain, while Kay bore two.

Forth into the open swung the joint force, and lo ! on
Humber's tide far out steered a dark blot, where Guenever
went safe on a ferry barge ; and on Humber's bank glittered
the thousands of the Danes and their allies, rank on rank,
well ordered, pricking forward.

" Can our hundreds face these ? " said Bagdemagus.

"Aye," answered Arthur, "for see, now they find their
dead."

Even Guenever, far off, must have heard and shuddered
at the dreadful cry of rage and lamentation that went up from
the desolated hosts ; and close after may have heard, too, the
first great crash of battle ; for while yet the foe reeled and
surged and thronged, Arthur bore down upon them and began
to slay.

In that battle Aglovale had no part. Lamorak shot away
to the charge, and he was following insanely when Griflet
saw him, reeling, loose-reined, clinging to the saddle peak.
He cursed him roundly for a fool, guided him clear of the
rush, brought him to a stand, and bade him go back. Where
Griflet left him he stayed, nor went back nor forward.

The heart of Denmark was broken for its king ; and Tor
drove in on the rear the shattered strength of Ireland; and
the allies, men of the Vale and of Soleise, between the Humber
and backward pressure, turned frantic and fought friend and
foe alike. That day there was fearful slaughter of the dense
hosts of the invaders.

After the field was won, Tor found his brother fainting on
his horse's neck. Weeping for joy, he lifted him down and
cared for him ; from the stiffened wound he drew out the spear
head, and staunched the fresh blood that sprang free, comfort-
ing, praising, regarding naught else, refusing to leave him until
Arthur summoned.

Then Aglovale, looking after, saw not far off King Arthur
and his knights gathered red from the field; and Queen
Guenever was come again and stood near between Kay and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 1

Gawaine. Fair gold was her hair. Fair gold was the hair of
his mother, Pellinore's queen.

The King stood there with his sword bare in his hand to
give knighthood. Aglovale sprang to his feet : the first to
come and kneel was young Lamorak. More he could not stand
to see. His wound broke out streaming afresh ; for pure envy
also his nostrils gushed blood ; so fierce, then, was the stress of
the master passion of his youth.

After Lamorak came Gawaine's two brothers, Gaheris and
Agravaine, and many another ; among the rest, Meliagraunce.
And when the last stood up a knight, Arthur questioned after
one more. Tor answered him ; Lamorak, Bagdemagus, Griflet
answered him.

Across the greensward ran Tor ; in all his harness he ran.
He lifted Aglovale.

" I cannot stand or go," said the boy, feebly.

" You shall ! Aglovale, it is for knighthood of King Arthur ! "

He drew his young brother's arm round his neck and lifted
him along. Lamorak came too, and between them they took
him and helped him to his knees before Arthur. Excalibur
touched his shoulder, and his famishing spirit was satisfied.

Tor set him on his feet. " Keep up," said Lamorak, low,
" for we go before Queen Guenever."

" Keep up," said Tor, low, " for we pass by Sir Gawaine
and his brethren."

Sweet salutation the fairest of women gave, and gracious
thanks to each, and praise namely to Sir Tor. Fair gold was
her hair. On Lamorak her eyes rested, because of his boyish
grace and beauty. She said in her heart, and afterwards to
Arthur, " An angel, a man, and a devil."

" A man indeed," said Arthur, " but no devil, and on my
faith no angel. Good knights all they will prove."

Gawaine and his brethren eyed hard the sons of Pellinore,
for blood feud was unfinished, and these sons of Lot were pass-
ing good haters. Gawaine and Tor saluted coldly. Yet sooth
that day had cancelled an old misdeed recorded in the books
of him I love so much, restoring to Gawaine the fair place long

8 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

withheld him in Queen Guenever's regard. Let it be said of
him that then, and always, faithful and blameless was his worship
of Arthur's queen ; and for the oath she had imposed on him in
his day of disgrace ever was he gentle and courteous to all
ladies, and to all men who asked he showed mercy. The blood
of Pellinore would ask none of him ; nor would Dinadan, nor
Bagdemagus.

One envied Aglovale. Said Meliagraunce, " For your
night of defence, Sir Aglovale, would I give my day of onslaught ;
for to me dearer than knighthood were such fair and particular
greeting from Queen Guenever."

Aglovale wondered, and liked the youth, nor thought ill of
the words. Alas ! he so speaking was at first dawn of a passion
that afterwards drove him to rape and treason, and brought
him to so evil an end that Guenever denied him life and
Arthur begrudged him burial.

Fuller reward awaited Sir Tor at Camelot ; he, Gawaine,
Griflet, and Kay were chosen in place of knights of the Round
Table fallen by the Humber. My most dear Master has told
at length how the vacant sieges were filled ; and also of the
strict fairness of Pellinore, and of the resentment of King
Bagdemagus. Of Aglovale in boyhood there is no more
to tell.

CHAPTER II

TOR, the firstborn of King Pellinore, came to be the best
beloved of all his sons. Sown in the waste, left to
grow untended, he, in the flower of youth, approved the
father generously, nor brought him any reproach for long
neglect. Well might joy and pride in the heart of Pellinore
rise up to claim him, and love swell stronger by delay. So,
too, in other fathers sprang a like devotion at sight of their
stranger sons : in Bors when he took White Helin ; in Launce-
lot when Galahad came. The names of three other sons stand
in dark contrast, three who forfeited their fathers' love, and
carried curses : Aglovale, son to King Pellinore ; Meliagraunce,
son to King Bagdemagus ; Mordred, son and nephew to King
Arthur.

Yet even in early blameless years Aglovale, the heir, came
to know that his father for Tor's sake, and his mother for
Lamorak's sake, begrudged him his birthright. He knew, too,
that Tor felt with the Queen, Lamorak with the King. As for
Durnor, he held Durnor of slight account — Durnor !

Howbeit at that time all four brethren were named for high
promise, approved of tried knights, well esteemed of their
young fellows. And later, spite of all defect, three houses
won to matchless fame in Logris : Arthur with his nephews,
Launcelot with his brethren, Pellinore with his sons.

Rot at the core showed suddenly in Aglovale. Great justs
were held at Cardiff in the presence of Arthur and his Queen,
what time he bestowed an earldom upon Sir Tor, then of full
age. There Tor won the degree on the first day ; and on the

9

10 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

second day Lamorak won it ; and on the third day a strange
knight came in, who smote down Aglovale and Durnor and
many more and won the degree : his name, Sir Bagdemagus,
King of Stranggore. Then Aglovale plucked up his horse and
rode straight away north. Darkness covers here the ways he
went.

Days went by, and weeks, and months, without any tidings,
good or ill. With the new year came King Bagdemagus again,
seeking after his lost son Meliagraunce. Sir Aglovale, he said,
had come into Stranggore when justs were holding, and there
he had smitten down Sir Agravaine and many others ; and so
brim and merry was he, that his son Meliagraunce would fellow-
ship with him, and had gone in his company leaving no trace.

More days, weeks, months, went by. Lamorak and Durnor
went and came, Tor came and went and came again, but
Aglovale did not come.

From the Marches of Northgalis blew rumour of evil deeds :
of lands harried, travellers and pilgrims robbed, knights
murdered, and ladies misused. My most dear Master tells how
there, at a later day, foul love and foul war prevailed, until Sir
Launcelot came to make an end of Sir Turquine the murderer,
and Sir Peris the ravisher.

A riding damsel came through Cardiff, a fair, fierce, reckless
creature, who, though young she was, had led an adventurous
life, with easy love and deadly hate, revel and hardship, quick
laughter and desperate cries, some soft memory enshrined, and
some hot malice unspent. Out of such a store she could weave
many marvellous tales of adventure, never two alike. She, too,
spoke ill of the Marches, and told of the infamous practice of
two whom she named the Savage and the Sinister ; how unfairly
and barbarously they had slain a noble young knight ; and
how unfairly and barbarously they would have used his damsel,
but that she wisely and wittily feigned and played to set them
one against the other, till they fell to fighting, and she by good
fortune escaped them both.

With touches of art she embellished her tale, yet her voice
and eye showed that for once something was suppressed, and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 11

that this adventure was more near herself than others of which
she feigned.

When she departed Durnor ran after. " Why called you
that one Sinister ? "

" He fought left-handed," she answered.

It was a trick that Aglovale practised.

Durnor went back, armed, and took horse. As he rode
out Tor and Lamorak met him and questioned.

" I go to look up brother Sir Aglovale," he said carelessly,
and passed.

The two looked at each other.

" I shall follow," said Tor.

" I also," said Lamorak.

So they armed quickly, took horse, and went after Durnor.

Northward the three rode together. And many days they
spent questing through the Waste Lands, and the Marches of
Northgalis and Gore, at that time the most lawless wilds in
Logris, for there two wanton queens fostered misrule out of
hatred and treason to King Arthur. Some robber knights
they fought and slew by the way, but neither Sir Peris nor Sir
Turquine did they chance to meet.

They came at last upon one who was pitilessly robbing a
gentlewoman of her fair young daughter. Lightly he set down
his prize at Lamorak's challenge, rode against him full knightly,
broke a spear and got a fall. Up he rose, pulled out his
sword, and caught it in the left hand. He saw that the three
bore the arms of Galis, and turned to flee. They hemmed him
in, all but sure of him.

Lamorak sprang down. " I require you of your knighthood
to tell me your name ? " He would not, and struck. " Stay
your hand," said Lamorak, " till I be better appointed." His
shield he cast aside ; he plucked off also gorget and helm and
cast them down. With naught to defend his head but his
sword, he advanced, and struck, and struck again.

So like St. George he looked^ that a very stranger might
have faltered, loth to strike upon that bright head. Aglovale
sobbed, flung away his sword, and to Lamorak's distress kneeled

12 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

and held him by the knees weeping. They wept together all
four — even Durnor.

King Pellinore never questioned close as to how and where
Aglovale had been found, for he was willing to know no worse
than he could guess ; and each brother guessed alone in his
own heart ; even Durnor bared none of his conjectures. But
certain knowledge of misdoing came afterwards by means of
Meliagraunce. He came by Cardiff with one Sir Gawdelin,
such an one as himself, whose life was marred by the folly of an
unlawful and unrequited passion. These two at the supper
talked upon dangerous ground, for both were loose-tongued
and had little discretion in their cups. Aglovale with them
drank hard, but for his part said little. Suddenly he was aware
that he was detected and betrayed ; for as Meliagraunce was
weaving a tale more graceless than merry, he saw King Pelli-
nore smite down his head, and Durnor grow red and curse
under his breath, and Lamorak lift and stiffen. Under their
dreadful silence he assented steadily when Meliagraunce
demanded confirmation. Durnor came to him afterwards and
blurted out all : some small and peculiar detail mentioned by
Sir Meliagraunce had been given also by the riding damsel,
so serving to link his story with hers. Meliagraunce himself
never knew what mischief he had done.

Not to Aglovale alone was this discovery bitter shame.
King Pellinore had to own in his heart that this son, so like
him in feature, revealed also dark traits of character he deemed
all dead and gone with his own youth. Lately he had come
to think better of him, seeing him back among his brothers,
valiant and eager as Lamorak, prudent and serviceable as Tor,
tough and staunch as Durnor ; and mainly was he gratified to
perceive ripening in him something of his own stern temper,
just sense, and keen brain, meet for the son and heir who
should rule wild Galis after him. Now, because of those dead
sins yet living, King Pellinore smote down his head and went
heavily.

Aglovale held on resolutely, determined to blot out the
past with fair fame. Yet all the while his heart held its old

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 13

bane, that would coil and sting, spite of the true love he bore
his brother Lamorak ; and though no word nor sign escaped
to betray it, the evil within was working his countenance to
express a nature marred and unlovely.

By just and field Lamorak blazed on his way of resplendent
valour, the most insatiable fighter that ever lifted sword. He
was still but a youth when called to the Table Round, where,
according to Merlin's writing, he sat at his father's side hard
by the Siege Perilous.

Then Aglovale failed again. Since Lamorak he could not
hate, wild envy set him in loathing against himself and his own
barren life. So virulent was this moral distemper that he was
smitten with physical sickness ; sleep went from him, and old
wounds in his body ached, opened, and bled afresh. Madness
was hovering. He took horse and reeled away into night.

For over a year his record stands well-nigh blank. Only
his own evidence tells that he left the realm of Logris and
tried for solace new ways of abuse, ranging the seas, one of
a notorious crew whose sail became a curse and a terror to
the trader and his town.

He rallied when war came : the great war with Rome,
when Arthur and his host passed over to Flanders, and went
on kingdom by kingdom to the conquest of Christendom. To
Barflete came Pellinore and his three sons, Tor, Lamorak, and
Durnor, each in a great galley stuffed with fighting men well
appointed. Came Aglovale by night, landing alone from a
poor cog-boat, sans horse or the price of one, with naught but
the harness on his back, red-rusted with brine. A very just
estimate of him lay heavy on his welcome ; no account of his
doings was required of him, and he tendered none. Durnor
alone, the while he served like a squire to the tarnished heir,
hit at him with hard names of derision. But to Durnor
indifference gave licence.

In that great campaign Aglovale showed at his best, for he
had gifts for marshalling hosts of war such as were rare to find
in those emulous days of personal valour. King Pellinore
gave him full scope, setting him in command above his brothers,

14 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

and Tor and Lamorak were as right hand and left to him in
their loyal support, gladly admitting his right and worth. His
was not brilliant work and fortunate, like Sir Gawaine's, whose
star ascendant at that time outshone all others ; but what he
did King Arthur marked well and approved, for he, the great
leader, could best of all appraise the young knight's sound
instinct in methods of war. So when the year closed on him
victorious at Rome, crowned Emperor by the Pope, when he
summoned his Round Table there and filled up the sieges, Sir
Aglovale de Galis was duly called and placed.

Knights of highest worship sat hard by the Siege Perilous
that awaited the coming of the best knight in the world. To
the right of it sat King Pellinore, then Sir Lamorak, then Sir
Marhaus, the best knight of Ireland ; to the left sat Sir Bors
the Good, with Sir Launcelot and his brother Sir Ector; Sir
Tor was not far, with Sir Gawaine for his opposite. Distant
by many degrees from that zenith, Sir Aglovale had his place,
for dearer to Arthur was the stout heart and arm than the good
head. And the mind of Aglovale inclined the same way ; he
would gladly abandon all the credit won in command, but once
to have in his ears such a roar of welcome and acclaim as rose
from fighting ranks when Lamorak rode in.

On that high day Durnor, riding behind his brothers, saw a
hard-featured man thrust through the crowd and catch at Sir
Aglovale's knee, calling him by a strange name. Aglovale
struck his hand aside, tossed him a piece of gold, and passed.
The man, a seafarer by his dress, fell back and plucked at a
Welshman with a question ; Aglovale, with a stony countenance,
rode on ignoring salutations. His day was darkly overcast.
Durnor was ashamed to watch or to question; he went on
wondering.

At the day's end the same stranger entered as a suitor
before King Pellinore and his sons, and got leave to speak.

" My lord Sir Aglovale," he said, "is it sooth that to-day,
for the honour of the Round Table, you will grant any man his
suit except it be unreasonable ? "

Aglovale eyed him sternly and answered, " Aye."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 15

" Then, my lord, I desire and pray that you take me to
serve you."

An angry red mounted to Aglovale's brow. The stranger
spoke on hurriedly.

" I ask to be no more than your groom, your henchman,
your varlet, albeit I am not more meanly born than some who
are squires. And I will promise you very faithful service for
the sake of one I shall never meet again, because, my lord Sir
Aglovale, of the resemblance you bear him."

Said Durnor, whose tongue was more ready than his wits,
" Hey, brother, you knew him not, and he mistook you ! "

Said the stranger quickly, with his eyes still on Sir Aglovale,
" Before to-day never has my lord your brother set eyes on
me."

Aglovale strode forward and struck him on the mouth.
" Brose, you lie ! " he said.

Confounded stood the suitor, savage but cowed. He got
his voice, and said thickly, " My lord, if I live you shall repent
of this."

Said Aglovale, wickedly, " Get you gone, would you go to
hell in your own time."

Said Brose, " At your heels, my lord, will be time enough
for me."

King Pellinore spoke, seeing Aglovale finger at his sword.
" Fair son, he stands a suitor on your honour to-day." And at
that his son ground his teeth and laughed harshly.

Said the King to Brose, "By my counsel you and your
suit withdraw."

The :man spoke up resolutely, though his hard-favoured
countenance twitched.

" Truly sir, my lord your son may hold my suit unreason-
able, since he does not please to forget that when he saw me
before, for my sins I was a galley-slave."

Still, as he spoke he kept his eyes upon Sir Aglovale, who
turned his to watch his father's face. Both drew the breath of
hard conflict.

" And yet is my suit not unreasonable, since who would

16 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

serve him more truly and faithfully than one he delivered out
of that hell."

" Hear, you dog ! " cried Aglovale, in a black rage, " for the
honour of the day and because of my word you shall have
your asking. But, by God ! " he added through his teeth, " you
shall sweat for it hereafter."

Again King Pellinore warned Brose off his dangerous
ground, guessing heavily at ugly concerns behind his son's
truculence.

" His man am I," came the answer, " at what service and
what wage he wills. He knows I am able enough. I was the
first he made free. Me he set to loose Christians while he
went killing Saracens ; and not one was left alive ; and it was
a great galley ; and we, slaves with our chains, were all my lord
Sir Aglovale had to back him. Moreover, he stood to fight
unarmed, and so fought and won."

Aglovale cursed and flung out his sword, beside himself
with rage. His brothers by force stayed him, and got Brose
away and stowed safe till that madness should be past.

Be it known forthwith that master and man kept each his
word. Aglovale stinted not by harsh and brutal usage to
tempt the man to his worst ; and Brose endured, steadily and
patiently biding his time to be approved, until his master
recognized with wonder that this dog was the faithfullest of his
kind, following him out of real devotion. Straight he acknow-
ledged, "Brose, I do repent," and never thenceforth had a
doubt of him till came the time of double parting when broke
the unhappy heart of Aglovale. Brose, in an after day, when,
as shall be told, he followed Percivale, professed what secret
virtue in his master had drawn him to allegiance. " Never
have I heard him complain," he said. No man, save Nacien
the Hermit, did ever so truly as Brose read the worth of that
distorted nature at its worst.

Now, as to the conclusion of this passage, had Aglovale
chosen to hold his peace, the truth might not have come to
light, for Brose told no more, refusing to answer any question
but in his master's presence; and, drunk or sober, he never

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 17

let loose his tongue till the end came. But Aglovale, when
his brothers turned to him with new worship, and his father
with kind reproach, because he had despised the approval of
their love, felt his load more heavy to bear than any deserved
disgrace. So, as they would not cease and let him go, "I was
one of them," said he ; " I, too, was a galley-slave."

That was not enough, though his voice and his face were
frightful. So gross an outrage to him but moved their common
blood with indignation.

Said Lamorak under his breath, "I rather would have
died."

Aglovale heard. " I, too," he said, " even as due by a
halter."

Durnor gaped and gasped, " As due ! " Aghast stared King
Pellinore and Tor and Lamorak. His few words were enough
to set their guesses; and he watched the leap and run, the
pause and flow of apprehension in their looks. Now they
knew why he at one time, before they came to Rome, had
avoided the coast ; there at Genoa their eyes had seen rotten
bodies dangling above the tide-mark ; they had heard tell of a
well-dreaded corsair barque, decoyed and betrayed there by
means of a Saracen emir. Yes, they knew ; only Durnor did
not understand. Durnor was a dense fool.

King Pellinore broke silence. " And yet you live ! "

His unworthy son came to him, followed after him, kneeled
to him, and held his knees in mute entreaty.

" You felon proclaimed ! Why had you not your dues ? "

"Pardon, sire, because there is that in me that is due
to you."

King Pellinore cut him short with a heavy curse, and in his
passion turned and struck the woeful mask that was his living
disgrace.

" Oh, you lie — you lie ! " he cried.

At that Aglovale stood up and pulled out his sword ; taking
it by the point, he presented the hilts to King Pellinore.

" Prove that upon my body, sire, an you please," he said
desperately.
c

18 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The King gripped with a will.

" Stand aside, Sir Tor," cried Aglovale ; " as for this matter
you shall not come between me and my father."

But Tor said, "Ah, sire, are all the good strokes of that
sword clean gone from remembrance ? "

" Answer ! Why had you not your dues ? "

He writhed and faltered. "I was not so well worth a
halter as some others ; and — and I was valued to ransom as
a king's son."

" Ah, wretched blabber ! "

Again Tor came between. " Speak again, brother — say you
never acknowledged your birth ! "

"Yes, bastard, I did. I acknowledged my birth, unawares,
even as you did among your mother-brethren. Ah, sire,
pardon me that at least ! "

" What more have you to tell, felon ? "

" Sire," said Aglovale, " boots it to know more of what I
did, or what others did with this sinful body of mine, since my
name and my lineage went not with it ? "

" Unhappy fool ! Does not your rascal fellow know you ? "

Aglovale answered knightly, " My fellows now are knights
of the Round Table ; and excepting you, sire, and my fair
brothers, and my lord King Arthur, none of them that bear life
shall charge disworship against my name and lineage but I will
prove upon his body that he lies."

King Pellinore went up and down thinking a great while.
Then he put back Aglovale's sword into his hands and said
heavily, "See you fail not. When your gallows deeds be
known, or keep you body alive in the Devil's name — or God
have mercy on your soul ! "

In this he reckoned amiss, for Brose proved close and sure,
and Aglovale lived longer than the devil in him, and died the
last of his mother's sons.

Now, it is recorded that after these wars with Rome, Pelli-
nore set his son Aglovale as warden at Cardigan. Maybe this
in a manner was banishment till he should have earned full
forgiveness, although later the lordship of Cardigan is called

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 19

his appanage. Here Aglovale sped ill; for, after a turn of
staid and strict government, he fell to ways of misrule. For a
brief space he made a fine show of it, merry and brim in living
and fighting. He lured Durnor to him, and despised him that
he came. Many drew to him at that time ; and any who had
earned the King's displeasure could find with him countenance
and welcome. So, though riot and misrule were doubtless all
his sins, he gave large cause for the count of treason.

After remonstrance and a threat, King Pellinore made short
work. He rode in on surprise with a great plump of spears,
and Aglovale, surrendering without a stroke, was deprived of
land and rule, and imprisoned with undue rigour.

He never complained, for, indeed, the odd good in him lent
him a patience and submission rare to find among wrongdoers.
The intercession of his mother and his brethren, and namely
of Sir Tor, restored him to freedom and grace.

But too soon his better self went to the winds as before.
This time Lamorak was partly to blame. The words he used
enter here not indeed in time and place as recorded by my most
dear Master, who for his part kept not strictly to the order of
events, as can be shown on his telling of the justs at Avilion
and at Kinkenadon by the Sands.

Justs were called beside the Isle of Avilion for the proving of
Arthur's young nephew Gareth, then newly sprung from the
scullery into sudden fame and the well-earned love of his lady
Liones. Thither came his mother, Morgause, Queen of
Orkney, still with her fatal beauty as keen as when Arthur, her
unknown brother, wooed her to guilty love. On Lamorak she
looked, and Lamorak looked on her, and for their bane love
sprang.

Marvellous deeds of arms Lamorak did that day, out of
measure fain to win worship before her. Fighting was like a
revel to him, till in the midst of his ecstasy he chanced to see
his two brothers, Aglovale and Durnor, overthrown. That
turned him to rage; four knights went down to his spear;
more to his sword; others fled. Aglovale and Durnor he
horsed again, but in his heat he did not spare them words.

20 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Shame on them ! cried Lamorak, to fall so off their
horses. Knights that were knights indeed, he said, should
fight on horseback; fighting afoot, he said, was but meant
for spoilers and felons. So he spoke heedless in his heat.
" Sit fast upon your horses," he cried at parting, " or else fight
never more afore me."

Durnor emptied language and protest after him ; but as for
Aglovale, his blood rose and broke forth, so that it ran from
the ventails of his helm and he had to lift the vizard.

"How, brother," said Durnor, "fell you so hard?" But
when he viewed a face pallid and hard-set, even he could read
and understand.

"Nay, nay," he said in clumsy kindness, "Aglovale, he
never meant it so ! Oh, he had clean forgot all that, or never
had he spoken so ! "

" By your leave, fair brother," returned Aglovale, " I can
hear as I list ; and, if I list, gainsay."

Durnor looked after him as starkly he rode into the fray.
"When he goes to work with his lips white, he kills. Now
God have mercy on some man's soul."

His cast was true enough. Aglovale that day was curst and
forebore none. After that he was lost again for many a day,
and wilh him Brose.

Tidings came of him returned and dwelling at Cardigan.
Thither rode Tor and Durnor, and bore back good report of
him, as they found him sober, just, wise, and knightly in all
ways. But Tor owned to King Pellinore that their welcome
had not been brotherly, Sir Aglovale, cold and reserved, show-
ing with a manner of precise courtesy a mind inclined to
quarrel. Durnor laughed and made excuse, in that he was
assotted on a passing fair wench, and an exigent. So had he
mistaken sweet Gilleis, Aglovale's last and only true love.

When King Pellinore afterwards passed to Cardigan, Agio-
vale had flown, none knew whither, and sweet Gilleis lay in
the tomb.

CHAPTER III

NACIEN the Hermit, gathering worts high up on
Wenlock Edge, saw a knight come riding below,
followed far behind by one afoot, running, stoop-
ing, shunning the open. Over rough and smooth rode
the knight spurring hard. The jaded horse stumbling on
broken ground, fell and did not rise; whereat suddenly he
pulled out his sword, and rove that good beast through the
body. Forward on his feet he started in a hasty aimless
fashion ; his shield he flung away, then his helm ; piece by
piece he stripped off his harness, and cast it from him.

" Now see I," said Nacien, " that a fiend rides him." And
he went down to meet him till the sound of groaning came to
his ears and words of blasphemy. The secret follower came
nearer, saw the old man ahead, and stood up with a gesture of
warning. Right so the knight caught sight of him.

Brose turned to flee, for Agio vale made fiercely after him
with his sword drawn. Brief was the chase : Brose missed
footing, fell, rose up lamed, faced round on his master, and
held up entreating hands. In vain : deep into his side bit the
relentless sword. For a moment Aglovale looked on the
fallen man, then his reddened blade he flung afar, and kneeling
he tried to staunch the bleeding life.

11 It was foully done," said Nacien. " Go you, murderer,
and bring water." And Aglovale went like a bidden child.

Even with that first look on the two men Nacien knew
that his work lay rather with the soul of the one than the body
of the other.

21

22 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

But for Aglovale he could do nothing till Brose had taken
good hold of life. Neither day nor night would that unhappy
master quit his man; scarcely would he speak or eat, and
sleep he did not till on the third night Nacien beguiled him
with a drink.

Then said Brose weakly, " For the love of God help my
master lest he die of his shut heart." And when Nacien com-
mended his devotion so evilly rewarded: "Nay," said Brose,
"he had threatened and I had promised. In following I
broke my word ; his my master kept."

But of counsel and consolation Aglovale took as little heed
as of admonition and rebuke, till the day came when Nacien
told him Brose was sure of recovery. Then he was moved to
blessings and thankings and promises for gratitude, and the
good man, seeing his time, with grave authority called on him
to confess his sins.

Aglovale looked at him darkly. " I want no absolution,"
he said.

" My son," said Nacien, " I bid you to penance in
confession."

" Yea, that I want," said Aglovale, after long silence.

" In the name of God ! " said Nacien.

Aglovale did not kneel. He stood up and bore the light
of day and Nacien's eyes through all. His tongue failed him
at first. " Gilleis ! " he said, and stopped dumb, struggling.

" In the name of God ! " repeated Nacien.

Once more the wretched man said " Gilleis ! " And
further, " Her I did not ravish.

"Two men knocked at midnight and asked her pity on
one sore wounded ; and she being a lone maid feared to unbar.
Yet because of their need and the bitter frost, and because
they swore steadily her maidenhood should get no hurt, her
pity was so wrought upon that she gave them entrance. And
she did also all service she could for him wounded ; for he
asked her to ransack his wounds in knee and breast. So first
she unbound his knee and salved and dressed it, and greatly
he complained the while of the wound in his breast. So very

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 23

softly she handled the bindings ; but as she drew off the last
fold there was no blood, and on the breast uncovered there
was no wound. Whole he was but for a prick in the knee.
Like a bird she went to the door as Brose shot in the outside
bolts. She stood and put her hands over her face, and I
watched her and never stirred. And after a while she said,
Why had I done so ? I said, for want of her pity on the great
wound in my breast, and greatly I complained.

" She had eyes like a heifer's that could not show anger.
Her hair was wheat-brown. Her skin was like lime blossom,
and as sweet was the scent she gave. God never made
woman-flesh more quick and tender to the influence of man.
Though I never touched her I troubled her, and she writhed
and drew her mantle around.

" She put me in mind of my oaths, and I said until they
were broken I was not forsworn. Yet she lamented for her
good name; and then I reached out my sword to her, and
bade her make it good on me if she chose. Yet I played with
her then, knowing that she could not. And when she put the
pommel between her feet and felt the point with her hands, I
laughed, knowing this also she could not do. And at that she
wept, and her tears — Gilleis — even for her tears I never
stirred. But she had to hear, and she could not hide.

" So I told her how, lying hurt, I had looked down from
a window, and had seen her kiss given to a tall squire, as never
had a kiss been given to me. And I told her how I would
have had her by force, had I loved her but as I had loved
others. She answered that her squire was now a knight ; and
was I so base, she said, as to shun knightly contest, when she
doubted not he would prove upon me that he was the better
man of his hands. I said I had done enough with woman on
the grave of lord or lover to know that not so ever would
sweet kindness freely given touch my lips ; that way came only
light love or heavy curses. I said I could not boast to be
better of my hands than he, as I had not tried him. Yea, he
had good looks for her eye, a good name for her ear, while I
was swart and halt, and I was he called Sinister. But he had

24 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

no force to love her as I loved ; and I would for one night so
possess her eye and her ear that she could not choose but
know I loved her better than he. And that was true. She
looked at me and covered her face and held her peace.
Though by falsity I won her, that was true.

" She had to hear, and she could not hide. But in the end
I grew ashamed and repented ; and before dawn I confessed
all : how her solitude that night had been contrived by force
and fraud ; and how by means of Brose I had ensured that my
going should be spied to defame her ; and how I hoped after
to carry on the game. But I told her that now the bolts had
been long withdrawn, and while dawn was far I would take
myself away to prevent my own mischief. ' God amend all,'
said Gilleis, as I went.

" Now when I issued to the night all the world was white
with snow. Then I hardened my heart as I left my tracks
upon it. And the skies had no ruth. At dawn a boatman
found me fallen, and lifted me down to the river ; and I left
amends to God and went with the stream.

" Her knight, Sir Berel, lay in Ireland held at ransom. A
poor man he was, and Gilleis la Orpheline, in ward of an
old knight his father, had been living meanly to buy him free.
Now when after many days Brose traced me out, he brought
word how my footprints had undone her, for her tale was
incredible to the old man, and he cursed her for his son and
departed. And soon after he died. I turned again, and
vowed to her I would do anything she should require. She
was so gentle I never heard a hard word, but then she did
require a hard penance. For slander she cared little, except
at the ears of the two most dear to her, of whom one was now
dead ; and her request was that I should pass to Ireland, and
acknowledge my treason to her knight under oath, and abide
by his ruling. I said this was not according to the course of
knightly usage. She urged no further and asked no more, so
I swore to it and went.

"Methought as I went I heard devils laughing at what
should come ; but lo ! when I had told him all, he believed

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 25

me ! Knowing my name and my ill-fame, yet he believed me !
A good knight he was and courteous ; but I came away sore
and angry because he would not promise so much as to break
a spear on me when he might dispose of his body ; for he said
as I had made amends in better sort than by way of arms, he
declined to require it otherwise. So I left him unransomed
and came again to this land.

" Then I went to tell Gilleis how I had sped. But I lied.
I had told him all truly, I said ; and no, I said, he did not
believe me. I kissed her in her swoon to seal the lie.

" It came to pass before the year was out, Brose laid me
again at her gate, wounded in deep earnest. I cried out when
I saw her that I would not keep those terms, that rather than
burn through such another night I would take the frost. Yet
when I opened ,my eyes to life, Gilleis was there tending me ;
and for many days Gilleis. And before I had strength to take
— she gave.

" Her most sweet affection once mine, grew passing well, and
was the dearer under peril of instant bitter ending. Before
long Brose brought me word of that knight Sir Berel ; by the
good offices of the first of Irish knights Sir Marhaus, he was at
liberty and returning. Then I took horse and rode down to
the Marches to await him at the Forest Cross-roads. For two
days I watched there till he came. He came bound hand and
foot, laid across the saddle. In like manner two followed
behind. I knew him, for his beaver was broken away ; me he
knew by my arms. In God's name he called on me to
remember my offers, and to help them from a foul knight and
a murderous, who had overcome them. He besought me to
turn from ado and rather carry warning of their case to Sir
Marhaus, who followed nigh, for this knight was so big of his
hands that few might match him. I knew well who drove
them so : that was Sir Turquine, brother to Sir Carados, whom
Launcelot met and slew as so he drove Sir Gaheris. He
smote foully at the bound man as he rode past him to come at
me. Then I turned and fled, and laughed as I rode. And in
a little while I escaped from Sir Turquine and came to the

26 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

open. Then I lamed my horse, and rode on again at a soft
pace till I met a big knight, no other than Sir Marhaus. We
saluted, and he asked me of three knights who were of his
fellowship. I told him that beyond the river I had seen one
knight, driving three before him, bound across their horses ;
and I taught him the way contrary, and excused myself from
him because my horse was lame. So misguided he departed.
And I deemed I should keep the love of sweet Gilleis, for I
knew more than a little of the ways of Sir Turquine, and that
knights who fell into his hands were seen no more.

" Though by frauds I won her and kept her, I would not
have her fastened to me by any bond but her free love, and
spite of her woman's wish we never came to wedlock. Then
came promise of another bond. I carried her to Cardigan,
and there the summer months ran over with such bounty of
love no word can tell, and half I thought no bolt would ever
strike me for my sins.

" On a windy day, looking out, I saw Sir Marhaus ride past
to take the sea for Ireland. The one I feared to see was not
among his company. So I turned and kissed Gilleis with a
glad heart. I kissed her never again living or dead. Then
I took horse, and I saw, as I rode the heights, the ship labour
out to sea and dwindle away. I rode far that day, and fought
and slew because I was light of heart.

"But meanwhile the winds were so strong and contrary
that the ship put back for Galis, and about sundown fell to
wreck on the bar. All this Gilleis spied from her tower, and
she sent down her barge and a messenger, praying all to
return to take lodging. And when Sir Marhaus was come,
spent with sickness and the sea, Gilleis herself in her kindness
came into the hall to ask how he did. I came homing, and
from without I saw her bright head pass, and being glad I
called to her by name; and she looked out smiling. Now
when Sir Marhaus heard her name he considered her well, and
asked her of her grace to tell him if she were Gilleis la
Orpheline; and she said, 'Aye.' And seeing how she was
girdled high, he deemed all was well and asked eagerly after

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 27

his friend Sir Berel, and how he had sped out of peril in the
Marches. Her eyes filled at his name, and she said she
knew naught of that. Then he held her in blame, letting her
know of her knight's good faith, and lamented for him,
supposing him to have been shamefully slain. I entered and
stood at gaze, and Gilleis stood and looked at me. He knew
me by my arms, and saluted; and as I made no return, he
put me in mind of our meeting, and what had passed between
us. All white she was. She stood looking into my face.
She put her hands to her girdle. ' Lie still, lie still ! ' she said,
and fell down.

"Afterwards she sent for me, and meekly prayed me to
tell her the whole truth. Yet of her own wit she knew it
already. So I kneeled by her and told her all, as it had been
an old dream. She turned her head and lay quiet and never
spoke to me more. And before long, having put from her
untimely the burden she had of me, she died. And I have
buried her.

" She loved me best. Had she loved him so, I deem she
surely could have lived. She loved me best, and therefore has
she died.

" Curse me ! You, Sir Nacien, if you have the gift to draw
curses, speed now on me the worst curses you know."

Nacien the Hermit spoke for consolation : " Doubt not,"
he said, " but that God shall reward you for your sins."

"The right avenger is dead," said Aglovale, heavily.
" While I buried her he died. Sir Marhaus turned back on a
quest through the Marches, and there shortly he met with Sir
Turquine, and fared no better than others before him: overcome,
stripped naked, beaten with thorns, prisoned underground.
There in prison he found his friend, whose two fellows were
dead, who was then near death, who died that same night.
On the morrow Sir Turquine was slain by Sir Launcelot.

" I also went and sought the Marches for Sir Turquine or
any there appointed to slay me. I found my brother Sir
Durnor. Sir Turquine had dealt with him. He told me how
Sir Berel was dead, but he could not tell me where Sir

28 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Marhaus had gone. So I left him complaining that I would
not stay.

"Sir Marhaus, when he stood and told me how he had
spoken with Gilleis, looked as my father King Pellinore
looked when once he struck me. And he excused himself
from my roof and went out straight. He did not put me to
any question. He left me untouched. He was not quite
ready to slay me then ; but surely now he should be ready.
Yet Sir Marhaus and I have not met again."

Suddenly Aglovale writhed, waved out his sword, and
fell to raving blasphemously that he would not take his death
of any man of less worship than Sir Lamorak his brother ;
and rushing out like one possessed, he went shouting for Sir
Marhaus over the hillside, and Nacien saw him no more till
another morn.

So began the healing of Aglovale. Day by day the holy
man handled him to ransack all his life and discover his bane ;
gentle and severe, compassionate and unsparing, he found the
way to win of that perverse nature trust and reverence. Before
Brose was whole the Hermit was ware of the meekest penitent
that ever he ordered, who followed him in prayer and fasting
and hearing Mass daily. Nacien also gave him a cilice for
wear that he put off neither by day nor night. Brose fretted
seeing his master go so lean, and warned him he was in no
case to win worship.

" Hold your peace," said Aglovale, " nor tempt me."
Then Nacien called him, seeing him fit to be instructed of
the spiritual knighthood. He declared the virtue of perfect
faith and a pure spirit that should achieve more than strength
and hardihood ; while every blow given should yield praise to
God, and every blow taken should yield prayer; when over-
throw could touch no shame, and excellence no vainglory.
He said also that those of this holy knighthood should slay no
man unhappily by misadventure, nor should any of a good life
get wound of them, for the grace of God should be in their
hands, because they should be maidens clean of life and heart.
" Alas, alas ! " said Aglovale.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 29

Further, Nacien spoke by prophecy of the best knight of
the world, who should do marvels without fail ; and of the
visitation of the Holy Grail, that all should follow and none
should see, save he and his fellows, the pure and the chaste.
And while Aglovale bowed down his head and wept to hear,
there entered his heart vision of his young brother Percivale,
with a giving of love and worship for the boy's innocence and
truth. He vowed then that never should Percivale learn any
harm by him.

All this Nacien gave him to know to confirm him in
humility against his old lust for earthly worship and his envy.
He warned him in chief against envy of his brother Sir
Lamorak. Aglovale withstood him.

"My brother Sir Lamorak I do and ever shall above all
men love and worship. Is this envy ? "

His old passion took him hard suddenly. " Ah, Lamorak,
Lamorak ! " he cried, " but little love have you for me and no
worship. Ah, Lamorak ! " And tears and blood sprang from
him.

He was brought to sounder conditions by the day of
departure, for Nacien, seeing his danger, not only showed him
how envy had sent him upon evil courses, but also how his
natural affections were disordered and mischievous.

Said Aglovale, " Yet God made me so."

"Nay," said Nacien, "you are not made, but making.
One only came made from the womb. Not before the day of
your death will God have made you."

"Pray for me," said Aglovale at the last, on his knees
asking blessing. " Pray to the high Father that He hold me in
His service. While I am alive pray for me, and when I am
dead, pray some prayers more or less for my soul."

The holy man blessed him, and promised him then, that if
he amended his life well, God should grant him his death by
the hand of a right noble knight, and so sent him from the
peaceful height down to be proved of the world.

CHAPTER IV

MY most dear Master has set down at length how Sir
Turquine hated Sir Launcelot and died at his hands ;
how he used his prisoners, so that many perished ; and
how three score and four good knights outlived him to report
the pains and shames he laid upon them. The tale ran hot
against the next record of Aglovale.

King Pellinore with his sons Aglovale and Lamorak came
to Arthur's hall. They heard the sound of a great voice booming
up to the rafters, the well-known voice of that good knight Sir
Griflet le Fise de Dieu. At their entrance it ceased suddenly ;
and Sir Griflet and all of the fellowship there present stood
silent, as up the hall to salute King Arthur went Pellinore
between his two sons, Sir Lamorak the renowned, shapely, and
debonair, and Sir Aglovale, a dark travesty of him in feature
and nature, ill-favoured from within outwards, ungainly also by
misfortune, for since Humber's greenway he walked uneven.
Silence held, while salutations passed. To Aglovale the King's
return was formal, but Pellinore and Lamorak he welcomed
and embraced and kept them beside him.

With a darkened countenance Aglovale turned alone to
take his place. Then the silence struck him, and the looks
that centred at him. Knights he passed barely returned his
salutation. Sir Griflet alone spoke kindness, hearty and loud.
With misgiving he looked for Sir Marhaus. Lo, his place was
void and covered black, for he was then dead, lately slain by
Sir Tristram for the truage of Cornwall.

King Arthur spoke. " Sir Aglovale, here are you come in
30

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 31

good season to meet a heavy charge. God grant you be clear
thereof, that you may give as good answer for yourself as
Sir Griflet was ready to give on your behalf."

Then he called out his nephew, Sir Gaheris, and bade him
rehearse it. But before ever a word was said Aglovale's guilt
looked out of his blasted face for all to see.

Gaheris held the whole ugly story exact at every point.
It had rounded complete to Sir Marhaus upon speech with his
dying friend ; and from him the sons of Lot had it ; and since
he no longer lived himself to prefer the charge, they, out of
good hate to the House of Pellinore, were forward and fain to
press it.

" Therefore," said Gaheris, when he had told all, " a liar
and a traitor I declare you, Sir Aglovale de Galis, and causer
of the deaths of a fair kind lady and a noble true knight,
and I cry you a shame on the fellowship of the Round
Table."

Aglovale leaned heavy on his sword. The gentle head of
Gilleis turned away, and the silence she took to the grave
accused him more hardly than did Sir Gaheris. Twice King
Arthur summoned his answer. To a dead hush he wrung
it out.

" It is truth ! " said Aglovale.

Through the hall sounded one great breath of indignation
and amazement upon an answer so wildly amiss. Then an
angry hum swelling, and the wrathful eyes of King Pellinore,
and the cry of Lamorak as he cursed high, brought the unhappy
man to his senses.

With the right answer vainly he followed the wrong:
" Prove it on my body ! " he cried. He could not overtake
his error.

One cried for him to be heard : one only, Sir Griflet. A
crash of voices opposed. Again and again Aglovale, desperate,
lifted the right answer ; with liar and traitor loud against him
from many throats, he was beaten hoarse. King Arthur
commanded silence to deny him his asking.

" Since Sir Gaheris has charged you with great villainy,

m AGLOVALE DE GALIS

and you, Sir Aglovale, have answered aye thereto, now betwixt
you there is no ground for debate. And as you are thus
accorded, to go to battle were a wrong I will in no wise
countenance."

" Look on him now," said Gaheris, low to his brothers.
" I have heard tell that King Pellinore's queen when she
carried him envisaged the Questing Beast."

" My Lord Arthur," cried Aglovale, " even as I am fellow
and partner to the worship of the Round Table, so are all here
present also fellows and partners to any disworship of mine.
Sir, by your head — as this noble company give me to know
they have no liking for my fellowship — by your head give me
leave to answer with my body whoso wills to prove me unworthy
this high order of fellowship. And that shall be proved never
while I have life ; never ! for I promise, my lord, I will never
yield myself as overcome. And howsoever I have answered
to Sir Gaheris, wit you all it was out of no fear of him nor of
better than he, and that can I make good by whosoever should
undertake to slay me."

" Sir Aglovale," returned Arthur, " the charge concerns you
as liar and traitor. As at this time you are not appealed as
a coward."

Sir Gaheris let him know his danger ; with loud scorn he
refused him, and warned him they could lightly be rid of his
fellowship by means of a cart and a hempen twist, as no noble
knight would have ado with him.

Aglovale at that shrank and lost power to speak. He
heard other voices with Sir Gaheris, for many knights present
had come out of Turquine's prison ; and these, hot and bitter
from the vile outrage they had endured, were the hardest on
Aglovale's misconduct. Maybe the merciless condemnation of
him by men themselves not blameless, as namely, Sir Gawaine,
leaned on a suspicion that by a good understanding with Sir
Turquine he had accomplished his villainous ends.

King Pellinore understood why, after Gaheris had spoken,
Aglovale's gaze turned quick to him. am^held hard. He
looked with recall of time past at the day he entered the

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 33

fellowship of the Table Round; when the son avowed his
deserving of shameful death; when the father gripped his
sword with a will ; when the right answer was rehearsed. Now
King Pellinore made no sign ; with a Roman heart he watched
his infamous son, and he would in no manner speak for him.

" Whatsoever you will, my Lord Arthur, I assent thereto,"
he said.

Lamorak in a fury was jerking at his sword, but King
Pellinore kept his hand on the hilts to hold it down.

Then into the hall came Sir Durnor. With a great clatter
according to his wont he came swinging through the midst and
saluted Arthur, and then his father and brother, kissing them
heartily.

" And brother Sir Aglovale, where is he ? " said Durnor.

He looked about, saw where he stood, and turned; but
Lamorak withheld him, and let him know how Aglovale had
been charged, and how he had answered. Then went Durnor
muttering strong oaths in his beard, and came straight to
Aglovale.

" Alas ! brother, you are unhappy," he said, and kissed his
cheek.

Now, had Lamorak been so kind almost might the heart of
Aglovale have burst for joy ; but of Durnor he could take little
comfort, for he. set no store on him and his easy, imperfect
conditions.

Great above all voices rose Sir Griflet's again. "Lo,
my Lord Arthur, here am I, not discharged from my
quarrel ! "

" How so ? " said Arthur. " Now you must needs with-
draw, foredone by Sir Aglovale's own word."

" Not for that will I withdraw," said Griflet. " Against
Sir Gaheris I did affirm that Sir Aglovale de Galis was a good
knight and true, and promised to prove it with my body, and
I think not to go back on what I have once said."

Then Aglovale smote down his head, red to the hair for
the scathe of such kindness. Others stared and questioned ;
some deemed there was mockery afoot, for that maker of sharp
D

34 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

jests, Sir Dinadan, had been seen whispering Sir Griflet, and
now he stood at Sir Gaheris' elbow and whispered him. Sir
Gaheris laughed in a manner.

" As for my part," said he on high, " I take right to be
excused jeopardy of my person, seeing that a nearer party to
the case is now present."

"So were I the better pleased to encounter," said Sir
Griflet ; and earnestly he looked on Aglovale.

At that Sir Kay, Sir Mordred, and others discourteous made
laughter ; but Arthur was displeased, saying he liked no japes
played with the honour of the Round Table.

"My lord," said Griflet, "I am in order and in earnest
and right fain."

Aglovale lifted up his head; he understood. Here was
favour generously offered, but involved in a mockery like fire
to his face. He took up his part.

"Sir Griflet," he said, "none but I shall stand to the
contrary against you. In mortal battle I will abide you as
long as I may with what might I have, and the loth word
I will never speak."

Spite of the King's frown, laughter overbore indignation
and swept the hall till even Durnor tingled for his blood.
Eye to eye Aglovale and Griflet waited till Arthur made himself
heard. Enchafed, he warned Sir Griflet he was standing to
folly and untruth.

" You speak as you hold, my lord," answered Griflet, " but
since I list to hold otherwise, I require you set the day that
I may make good my words on Sir Aglovale."

Naught that the King and others could do with language
availed to move him from his purpose.

"My lord Arthur," cried Aglovale, "you, and all others
my fellows who approve of the titles I stand to maintain, dread
not that they will fail while I have life in my body to enforce
them to the uttermost ; for I declare and vow that never will
I yield recreant to Sir Griflet ; and if you shall find any default
in my battle, then stint not to please Sir Gaheris of cart and
cord."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 35

Then Arthur, yet in anger, appointed the morn to them,
and went to dinner.

This was the day when Sir Launcelot came back from many
adventures in Sir Kay's harness, as my most dear Master tells.
Aglovale passed out with Durnor as he was entering, and the
thunder of welcome reached after them as they went.

Aglovale sighed and muttered, " Yet sooth Sir Griflet is a
right noble knight."

Said Durnor, " He is big, and hardy, and wary, and passing
sure, yet may you speed."

" God mend your wits," said Aglovale, fiercely. " You are
but a fool ! " And he shut his heart against his brother.

" It is truth," groaned Durnor, and cursed his scatter-brains.

Aglovale winced at the chance echo. " I would you left
me — you who were there. You knew him, you saw him ; why
did he die ? Tell me he died for pure sorrow."

" Alas ! brother, I know not. Many died for pure want.
So died one at his side whose chain was for Sir Marhaus later."

Aglovale muttered, " Would Sir Marhaus had lived, for he
equalled Lamorak."

Imperfectly grateful was he in his greedy heart to the loyal
brother Durnor, and the friend Griflet who did him such
kindness and grace.

" Sir Marhaus," said Durnor, " was quit with but a day of
prison. Who knows ! The summer underground might have
killed him also."

Aglovale rejected that sop. " Who knows his day ? Who
keeps a constant level ? Shall I to-morrow fight at my level —
no better or no worse ! "

" Aglovale, more than your due you take and have. You
are not answerable for the brutal custom of Sir Turquine.
And by all likelihood Sir Marhaus had never at his best
achieved that rescue."

" So granted ! My treason was to utter waste. Sir Durnor,
I need not your lights, for I have enough."

" God help you alone, brother, as you will have none of
me," said Durnor, with tears in his eyes.

36 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" My God ! my God ! " cried Aglovale, " I doubt not."

Nacien's words of consolation were in remembrance, "Doubt
not but that God shall reward you for your sins."

Durnor was but musing aloud when he spoke again. " And
indeed she was a passing fair lady."

Aglovale started from him. " Fair Christ deliver Percivale
from any brotherly kindness like this ! "

Durnor followed, but durst not speak any more, since
wherever he touched from hidden veins spouted fire. Agio-
vale turned.

" Ah, pardon, Durnor, of your kindness ! for I am curst ;
for I am but a dead man underfoot rotting for burial. Have
patience with me till the sun go round."

Durnor held him with his arms and took great sorrow.
" Ah, brother, is there no remedy ? Jesu, have mercy ! "

For the maintenance of an hour Aglovale, kneeling, waited
on King Pellinore for a little mercy and one favour.

"Let not young Percivale be taught blame of me; and
when he is grown a knight, of your charity bring him to my
grave, to pray some prayer for my soul. Judge you by my
battle to-morrow if I deserve. Though you curse me living,
yet when I am dead make peace to my name."

Lamorak came in and loosed his wrath on his brother.
He raged because of his answer.

" How have you shamed us all, Sir Aglovale, and needless !
There was no proof — none. The knight is dead; the lady,
dead ; Sir Marhaus,'dead. There was no proof, merely hearsay
by the mouth of Sir Gaheris, wanting your answer. And you
answered unknightly, like a shaveling ; so is our blood shamed,
before all the Round Table, before the face of the house of
Lot that has wrought for our despite. And for that answer
know I hate, and will never forgive you so long as you live."

" Then, as I think, Sir Lamorak, you will not hate me long."

" O fool, so are you shent ! On Sir Gaheris you might
have sped, but Sir Griflet is of better might than you; and
needs must we be glad of it. Fie and woe on such vile folly."

"Ah, sire, ah, brother; though I have lived ill, yet if I

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 37

die well incline to Sir Griflet's contention. On my faith, it
shall have as much worth as my poor body can bestow."

Durnor clamoured and wept and cursed. Others, he said,
were lightly quit of blame ; Sir Gawaine, by fraud and unfaith,
had enjoyed the lady Ettard, as all knew, yet was he at ease
and loud against Aglovale. Then King Pellinore named
Gilleis with Ettard, miscalling her in such a manner that
hastily Aglovale rose up and departed.

Quiet and dark lay Saint Stephen's at dusk as Aglovale
issued clean shriven for the morn. Near by the King's palace
was beaming with light, and there shout and laughter rocked
for the joy of Launcelot. He stood to listen, and he was very
heavy,' for his life then stood but at twenty-four years. By
came Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, entering on the like errand.
Naught he said, but as he passed his adversary he put out his
hand ; and Aglovale fell kneeling behind him, and kissed his
hand and kissed his sword, in passionate worship for the gift
of honourable death they promised him ; and his full heart got
ease with weeping.

To a fair meadow beside Camelot, all white with lady-
smocks, came at early day King Arthur with his knights to
judge the battle ; and there came King Pellinore and his son
Lamorak, stark and sober, to witness ; and there came Griflet
with kin and fellows ; and there came Aglovale with Durnor.
Then must either party rehearse his contention before the
King ; and as Aglovale gave out his name, and the titles and
cause he had to maintain, such a mock of acclaim endorsed
him as paid outright on all his incontinence after worship. At
that Sir Griflet lifted up his great voice. He was ready, he
said, so soon as he had done with Sir Aglovale, to have ado
with whoever should please to take up his contention after.

" Be content with what licence you have," said Arthur.
He was vexed and angry.

Then Griflet and Aglovale, having done with words all that
was due, rode asunder, fetched their range, feutred their spears,
and at a signal came together with all the speed of their horses.
Aglovale was smitten down with a wound in the side. Before

38 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Sir Griflet could turn again he was on his feet, calling on him
to light down. As for his hurt, it trimmed him for battle ; the
pain of it quickened his heart, that the breath of derision had
left like a dead cinder within him.

They took out their swords and began strong battle on
foot, hammering so hard that their harness was all dinted and
broken, and darkened from bloody wounds. Tracing and
giving from the bright sun, they circled up and down, till
the white meadow was trodden and defiled, as though herds
had gone over,, and none could say which of them had the
advantage. Sir Griflet was held to be the better knight, and
so he seemed by his clean strokes and foins ; but Sir Aglovale
had his old practice with the left hand, and took to it when the
right was weary.

For upwards of an hour they fought without stint; and
then they stood apart to breathe awhile. Sir Griflet put off
his helm and faced the cool wind ; Sir Aglovale put off his.

" Oh, shame," said Lamorak, " to uncover such a face as
that!"

" His lips are white," said Durnor. " As I know him, he
will do extremes."

Again the two armed their heads and went to battle ; and
for an hour more they fought strongly and bled much, while
none could forecast the issue, so even and stout they stood.

Then Durnor cried, " By God's eyes, Sir Aglovale is stand-
ing to him against the sun ! "

That so he did was soon seen beyond question ; and then
all could espy that even with that advantage yielded him Sir
Griflet was giving back ; his strokes were random, his shield
was low. In the end a good blow beat down sword and rove
through helm, and he fell.

In great dread Aglovale stood still, waiting for his adversary
to rise ; then he went and put off his helm, and found that he
lived and moved.

" Alas ! Sir Griflet, now are you overcome and must
yield."

Griflet answered weakly, " Sir Aglovale, though I be over-

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 39

come, yet will I not yield ; so take your sword and slay me
outright."

" Have pity and yield," cried Aglovale, " for so I but keep
my dishonour, and should I slay you I have it at increase."

" I had liefer die," said Griflet, " for truly I find you, Sir
Aglovale, even a better knight than I deemed."

But Aglovale moved away a little, put off his own helm,
and sat to rest, in hope that Griflet might recover force to
stand up against him. In a frenzy he tore up the green with
his hands, and all the pale flowers round him were dappled
red with white, true coloured for that time of Pentecost.

" In the name of God, Sir Griflet, essay to rise so soon as
you may ; for our blood goes from us, and yours more than
mine."

So Griflet did on his helm and got to his feet; and
Aglovale stood up to meet him, but his shield he left, and his
head he left bare, and he stood against the sun to perform his
battle. At that Arthur was displeased, and knights partors
came down the field with his command to Aglovale to arm his
head duly. So ill-advised was Aglovale as to answer the King
in maugre and orgule ; for he said that he would not ; he would
fight so as he pleased. " And if," he said, " my lord Arthur
holds me so in default, I ween as by agreement he may sort
me with a hempen cord ; and I would have him to know how
for that adjustment I list to leave my neck bare and ready.
But tell him that against Sir Griflet faithfully my hands shall
keep my head to the best of my power."

Greatly incensed was King Arthur at so despiteful an
answer, and full soon had Aglovale cause to rue it. He kept
his head fairly, while he struck but seldom, needing his sword
for defence. Sir Griflet held on, and twice reached his head,
gashing cheek and scalp ; but he bled so fast that he could not
stand long. At a light stroke he went down finally, and
required his death.

" Ah, Sir Griflet, what is the worth of my name against the
worth of your life ? Yield, for slay you I cannot."

" Make no words. I would have slain you without question.

40 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

By the love I bear King Pellinore, I would sooner die than
face him yielden recreant against his son's worship. So
finish."

Then Aglovale in great anguish went up the field and came
to King Arthur ; and he besought him piteously to take the
battle off his hands that Sir Griflet might live, for he would not
yield.

Launcelot, who came riding down leisurely, beheld Sir
Aglovale, bareheaded, all bloody and spent from long fighting,
and heard his prayer. " On my faith, he is a right good knight,"
said Launcelot to the winds.

" I will not so," said Arthur ; " for you shall finish out this
battle, or else as a defaulter you shall be served with shameful
death. For first," said Arthur, "your fellows here present
have no mind to release you from the titles you stand to main-
tain. And second," said Arthur, " there is great suspicion of
this battle as not of true intent and purpose, but guileful and
dishonest ; therefore I must needs have it brought to justifica-
tion of death on one or the other. And last," said King Arthur,
" unruly have you, Sir Aglovale, defied me, and scorned my
head to take you in default ; so look not that I should lightly
acquit you ; and except you perform to the uttermost upon Sir
Griflet you shall have the penalty."

" Oh me ! What folly have I done ! " said Aglovale.

" My lord Arthur, to my own account justly have you
answered me ; but as to Sir Griflet, consider mercy for him,
who would honestly have slain me out, were I in his case."

" As for Sir Griflet," said Arthur, " sorry am I to lose so
noble a knight, and that in a wrong cause ; but this battle was
of his seeking and against all counsel ; in maugre and orgule
he took it, and now must abye it. And well I deem that if
in all integrity he did jeopard his life, he would sooner lose it
than give occasion against the worship of the Table Round."

Aglovale in his distress spoke to his father: "Ah, sire
King Pellinore, as I am your son, though unworthy, give me
counsel. Not for all the world would I slay Sir Griflet ; yet
shameful death is great dread and bitter dole."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 41

Then failed the iron heart of Pellinore; with a groan he
fell forward, swooning for sorrow. Lamorak and Durnor took
him up between them. Both were like drunken men, unsteady
and spoke thick.

" Come," said Lamorak, " get him hence, lest he recover
before this matter is resolved and done with."

" Get him hence by yourself," said Durnor. " I stand here.
I turn not my back at this extremity."

Lamorak turned once for a moment, and earnestly, with
tears running down his face, he looked on his brother Aglovale,
who as rain to parched earth felt that kindness on his trouble,
and judged it for counsel.

A whisper of ruth began as Sir Aglovale stood to look, as
it were, his last after father and brother, and then slouched
wearily back again to Sir Griflet, to find if he might yet help
him from his hard choice.

" Ah, my lord Arthur," said Sir Launcelot, " may you not
find him better terms ; for never saw I one in so piteous a case
as set between shameful life and shameful death ; for to slay
Sir Griflet would be a shame for ever."

" For the sake of his noble house and for the sake of Sir
Griflet I am right heavy," said Arthur, " but I may do no
otherwise for rightful judgment, or I should aggrieve all the
many here who approve the contention he bears against Sir
Griflet."

"That is sooth," said Gaheris and others; but as many
more spoke out for mercy.

"Look you, Sir Launcelot," said Gaheris, "how, save
his brother Sir Durnor, and your brother Sir Ector, none
of those taken from Sir Turquine's prison and fellows to
outrage will excuse Sir Aglovale from title as liar and
traitor ? "

" Now, beside these," said Sir Launcelot, " do any here
present gainsay excuse ? "

Then no voice but Sir Gawaine's rose against Sir Aglovale,
while Sir Lionel de Ganis, Sir Brian de Listenoise, and some
others told Sir Gaheris he spoke at fault as to them.

42 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Said Launcelot then, " Give me leave to meddle, good my
lord, and to treat for Sir Aglovale; for though he be all so
much to blame, yet he shows here as a good and true
knight."

"I am loth," said Arthur, "as this battle touches the
honour of the Round Table to doubt and scandal. Yet, as for
that, Sir Griflet is the more to blame, and I ween scoffer Sir
Dinadan most of all."

" I will so deal as to right it. Give me leave," said
Launcelot.

" You may essay," said Arthur.

"Sir Gawaine," said Launcelot, "bring to remembrance
how I rescued you from Sir Turquine's brother Carados when
you were bound overthwart his saddle ; and you, Sir Gaheris,
how in like case I rescued you; and you, Sir Kay, how by
my means you were put from prison ; and you, Sir Brandel."
And so on Sir Launcelot named some thirty knights. " And
since," he said, " all you have offered me thanks and worship
for these rescues, I require you for my sake to excuse Sir
Aglovale from his battle and commute on terms that he may
live."

" Sir Launcelot," said Gawaine, " I may not refuse you,"
and so answered all, but said that because of his shameful
deeds Sir Aglovale should not be relieved on easy terms.

" So be it," said Launcelot ; " choose you an assessor and
we will deal." And straight Sir Gaheris was chosen, and with
him he treated and agreed.

Aglovale in great despair went back to his adversary, dress-
ing his heart to bitter death.

" Sir Griflet, there is no remedy, but one of us must die or
yield."

" No question ! " said Griflet, feebly. " I have got my
death as I think ; so stand not, but take my life."

" Live you ! for 'tis I that must not."

" Would I could serve you so, but I have no force."

" Set your heart to live — mine is set to shameful death."

" Shameful death ! "

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 43

" Yea, sir, I leave this battle to be hanged. With all my
heart I thank you for your great pains spent in vain. And,
Sir Griflet, I pray you say what you can for me to my father."

" Shameful death ! " said Griflet. With a strong effort he
rose upright and heaved up his sword ; aimless, by mere weight
it fell, and he with it came to earth and lay senseless. There
was no more help in him.

" God grant I be hanged to some purpose," said Aglovale,
as he turned to go again to ask his penalty. " And God grant
it be over," he said, " before Lamorak come again."

Down to meet him Sir Launcelot came shining. His head
was bare, he bore no shield, and his sword was ready drawn.

" Leave Sir Griflet, Sir Aglovale," he cried, " and have ado
with me ; for I take up his contention against you, and will
prove it upon you."

Lightly then, as though he bore no wounds, Aglovale
sprang and laughed for joy ; and wind and sun touched him
from open heaven, as God could grant no dearer grace than
tears from Lamorak and death from Launcelot. In a breath
their swords were clashing together, and with stroke and stroke
still Aglovale like a madman laughed. Biding his time, Sir
Launcelot played with him, warding and turning his random
strokes ; and before long with fine force he stmck Aglovale's
sword clean from his hand, and would not suffer him to have
it again.

" Now, Sir Aglovale, choose you to yield or die ? "

" I have no choice, Sir Launcelot, but to die."

Then Launcelot tempted him. " Yield to me, Sir Aglovale,
and I will ensure you against shameful death, if language and
body may; and I will ensure you that none in my hearing
shall ever name you amiss but he shall answer to me."

" Sir, I cannot," said Aglovale, " for albeit I have been liar
and traitor, perjured and coward I will not to be for exchange.
And as you are named courteous Sir Launcelot, put me from
my trouble quickly, and before God I will give you thanks."

" Now God have mercy on your soul," said Launcelot, and
he swung his sword sheer upon Aglovale's head, yet deliverly

44 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

from the crown he severed but the hair to the winds. " And
keep you body alive to a better life," said Launcelot, while
Aglovale stood mazed and lost, and looked at the sun and the
flowered field, and the sword that had not slain. Frantic tears
sprang, draining his strength like blood. " Begrudge not a
proof of your worship," said Launcelot, greatly moved.

" Sir, such mockery is vile, whatever my sins ! Ah, Sir
Launcelot, you that made me glad ! "

" Know now, Sir Aglovale, that King Arthur will release
you on terms. Will you to take penance as readily as you
take death ? "

" Fair sir, can you swear that you are not beguiling me to
new scorns, and that Sir Dinadan has no voice in this matter ?
So of your charity deal, as I have bled overmuch to keep my
wits clear."

" By the faith of my body you need not dread. And
I promise you I will require of you no more than I would
myself perform, put case that I had offended as you. Yet an
you say the loth word to that, and put yourself into my hands
as overcome, I will take you and keep you from shameful
death as well as I may."

" Ah, sir, you could name no penance that I would refuse.
And I do greatly need to live. Yet I looked to be out of this
coil by now."

" I warn you, Sir Aglovale, you may not be lightly quit,
for very shamefully have you mis done."

With that Launcelot took up Aglovale's sword, and holding
him by the hand brought him to Arthur. Aglovale like a
child confided and held, for he was greatly spent.

"Sir Aglovale," said Arthur, "at the instance of Sir
Launcelot and with the assent of your fellows, I am content to
discharge you from this battle, given that you assent to the
terms he shall put for your life."

" Sir," said Aglovale, " I will never say loth for life or death
in this matter."

Then said Launcelot, " I require you, Sir Aglovale, in the
presence of our lord, King Arthur, and our fellows of the Table

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 45

Round, to swear here on your sword to take penance in this
wise : soon as you are able, to go in your shirt barefoot, with
a crier to decry you at every market-cross ; so on your feet to
go hence to the Forest Marches ; there, like him you so evilly
betrayed, to abye pains and shame according to the custom
that Sir Turquine used ; and there to rear a tomb for him, and
found and endow a religious place, with good men to pray
daily for the soul of him and his fellows dead in that prison.
So shall you be held quit of your deeds."

Straightway Agio vale kneeled, laid his hand on his sword,
and swore to fulfil all.

" Give here Sir Aglovale's sword," said Arthur, " for I will
keep it from him till he shall redeem it to full satisfaction."

" Sir, I will get it as soon as I can go," said Aglovale.

He stood on his feet and tried to word fair acknowledg-
ments. Deep colour rushed up to his face ; he had not blood
enough left in him also to man his heart; he swooned as
Lamorak came again.

"Now may you say, King Arthur, that you have a fair
fellowship, if this be the worst of your knights," said Launcelot,
and he reported how Sir Aglovale had answered him.

Yet Arthur never after did favour Sir Aglovale, for cause
that once he had given answer unknightly.

To the wonder and chagrin of Brose, Sir Lamorak with Sir
Durnor brought his master to lodging, and unarmed him to see
to his hurts. They found upon him his wear of cilice.

Lamorak muttered, "Defend us!" "Would he be such
a holy terror among us ? "

Durnor muttered, " In haire ! He fought so in haire !
Jesu ! is it for enchantment ? "

Their brother's eyes lifted upon them indifferent, laying
reproof to their curious and troubled minds.

Durnor said, " Alas ! brother, pardon." Lamorak drew
away.

Straightway Aglovale asked for him weakly.

"Brother Sir Aglovale, Brose has more skill to serve you
than I."

46 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Sir Lamorak, grant me my desire : ransack my wounds
with your own hands."

" Nay, but why ? " said Lamorak, disquieted.

" Ah, fair brother," said Aglovale, painfully, " either to heal
from your touch quick and clean for a token, or to rankle.
Let me know."

Lamorak drew back, stricken with compunction and
daunted. He was deeply distressed. " Fair Lord Jesu ! " he
said inwardly, " sweeten my heart at my brother's need." Yet
could he get no ease.

" Alas ! " he said, " there is no such miracle of healing in
my hands."

" I take no keep — essay for good or ill."

" I cannot — I will not ! " said Lamorak, and went out
weeping.

The wounds of Aglovale seemed to do well enough without
him, and they were not slow in healing over.

Durnor would hearten his brother against his penance.
" As for the pain," said Durnor, " as I know it lasts not long ;
and as for the shame, many knights better than you and I have
endured it." Thus did Durnor encourage his brother, who
held his peace under him.

And as soon as he was whole, with strength for his penance,
Aglovale went in his shirt barefoot from Camelot, and a crier
decried him at every market-cross ; so on his feet he went and
came to the Forest Marches ; and there he took pain and shame
as meekly as any grey penitent ; and there he provided fitly
for a rich tomb and a Priory place where prayers should be
made daily.

Then came Sir Kay on behalf of King Arthur, and delivered
him his sword again, as he had redeemed it to full satisfaction.

Then came Nacien the Hermit down from Wenlock Edge,
and blessed him with good counsel.

So Aglovale came to an end of his vain passion for
renown.

CHAPTER V

THE next record of Aglovale begins with him lying low and
very feeble, watching the boy Percivale come and go.
To fulfil his penance he had so outgone his strength
that his wounds, new and old, reopened and bled ; wherefore
Durnor had brought him to Severn-side, and so by water to
Cardiff, to lay him in the keeping of the Queen their mother.

With no word did she reproach him, nor did any; and
soon he grew aware by the simple reflections of Percivale that
King Pellinore accorded to him living that one kindness he
had besought after his death.

Percivale and his sister Saint whispered and played together
within the bay of a window, while Aglovale rested his weary
heart with dreams as he watched the boy. When tramplings
sounded below the children leaned out their heads, and eagerly
their tongues ran ; till Percivale bethought him and stole from
the sunny bay to look if Aglovale slept.

" May I serve you, brother? " he asked.

Aglovale answered "No," and asked idly who entered
below.

" Sir Lamiel with his kin, and Sir Harvis," said Percivale.

Again to more clatter he ran and looked out ; and so the
noise went on with little pause till Aglovale roused to call him.

" For what cause to-day do so many enter ? "

Percivale was troubled, and stood silent till Aglovale asked
again.

" Alas ! brother, I know little, and that I was bidden to
keep from you."

47

48 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Aglovale turned his face to the wall and so lay silent.
Percivale stood waiting awhile, and then he asked timidly,
" Brother Sir Aglovale, are you now angry with me ? "

" No, fair child," said Aglovale.

Percivale withdrew softly ; but he found no happiness with
Saint ; and often he looked, and in vain, for any sign from his
brother.

In came Durnor, and Aglovale shifted and eyed him as
with a moody countenance he paced up and down.

" Sir Durnor, are you bidden to keep me in the dark ? "

" I take no bidding," said Durnor, and stamped about and
swore loud, while Percivale and Saint nestled and peeped
under cover of a curtain.

" Then what goes forward ? " said Aglovale.

" Shame and wrong ! " stormed Durnor. " I take no keep
but you shall know. Aglovale, your birthright goes from
you."

Quick and hard he breathed to the blow. " To Lamorak
or to Tor ? " he asked.

" To Lamorak."

" We may thank our mother for that. I dreaded it might
be to the bastard."

" I would deem it less unkindness in a half-brother. Now
fie on Lamorak ! Though he, and Tor also, have worship
above you, yet are you the firstborn of King Pellinore's Queen
and his right heir. And as for the past, that has been paid
for."

Aglovale lay quiet while Durnor swore himself hoarse ; then
he reached to his sword.

" I require you, Durnor, to help me to my harness."

" What would you do, brother ? "

" Take no thought. I would have on my harness."

" I will well," said Durnor, and went with great strides.

He himself was in full harness when he came again with
Brose bearing all pieces to arm his brother.

" I will stand with you, Sir Aglovale, in word and deed,
whatsoever you say and do."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 49

Aglovale looked at him hard, biting his lip. " I shall be
glad. See you fail not."

" Ah, my master," said Brose, " you have not strength for
the weight ! For but little this wound would again break."

Yet Aglovale stood up lean and weak, and bade him brace
on quickly.

Percivale came asking to serve. Brose let him take the
spurs to fasten on, but Aglovale jerked and said, " I shall not
need these." More kindly he answered to the boy's timid
offer, "Yea, little brother, carry my helm for me if you will.
I want it not now."

Brose looked at him then, startled to suspicion ; but
Durnor heard all heedlessly. Between them they had to lift
him along, he was so weak ; and Percivale followed after with
the helm. So they all went down to the hall.

Filled with armed knights was the hall. Between the King
and Queen stood Lamorak in arms complete. Tor was
there also. Up the hall went a young knight bareheaded;
kneeling down before Lamorak he advanced the hilts of his
sword held between his two hands, and over them Lamorak
laid his hands. Then the knight swore acknowledgment to
Sir Lamorak as King Pellinore's heir ; when he should rule in
the King's stead his land and castle to hold under him, to
serve him in war, to uphold his right against all soever. So he
swore, and rose and passed.

Up the hall came Aglovale, leaning hard upon Durnor ; and
then alone he stood fonvard before King Pellinore and his
Queen and Lamorak. Much wonder had they and little joy
to see him there.

" Sire," said Aglovale, " you do me wrong, and so do all
these who have acknowledged Sir Lamorak your heir; for
none here present had right by birth or station to take pre-
cedence of me. Yet I promise you I will be of the first to
serve, though now I be of the last to pledge."

With that Aglovale ungirt his sword, kneeled down before
Lamorak, and advanced the hilts held between his two hands.
Lamorak started back dismayed, and refused to hold.

£

50 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Fair brother, rise ! " he cried ; and then he caught him
strongly by the hands to lift him from his knees.

" Nay, but it shall be so," said King Pellinore. He grasped
Lamorak by either wrist; the Queen also put out a shaking
hand to compel ; then Aglovale gave out his formal oath of
acknowledgment.

"And now, Sir Lamorak, speak for me; that my father
take his curse from me, and that my mother bless me."

He had all he asked and more : Lamorak's embrace with
his tears and kiss upon his cheek.

" Ah, Sir Aglovale," cried Durnor, " falsely have you done
to beguile me so ! "

Yet he plucked off helmet and spurs, unbelted, and
thumped to his knees ; and offering his sword to Lamorak he
swore in order.

" I give you to know," he said, " that this I do maugre my
own will, and only for the sake of Sir Aglovale ; and otherwise
for his sake I had as lief present to you the blade as the hilts
upon this occasion."

" He cannot stand or go," said Tor. He drew his brother's
arm round his neck to hold him up, and as Lamorak came
and lifted likewise on the other side their eyes met in pitiful
remembrance of their day on Humber's bank.

Young Percivale at his distance by Brose watched all,
wondering, and without understanding he was troubled. Close
he followed when his brothers passed out, Tor and Lamorak
linked to bear up Aglovale, Durnor at their heels. So graced
and attended by all his brothers, Aglovale left the hall, spent
and weary to death from forsaking his birthright.

Together they came to Aglovale's bed. Then Percivale
took hold of his sword, kneeled down, and lifted up his hands
on the hilts to Aglovale.

" I swear I will keep naught from you more. I swear your
will shall be mine. Brother Sir Aglovale, I swear I love you."

The boy ended with a storm of tears ; and the disinherited
man bowed down his head to his young brother, while sobs
drew him so fiercely that soon he swooned for pain.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 51

" So as I said," muttered Brose, and pointed to fresh blood
stains. Lamorak looked on, aware that the man eyed him with
ill-will. Then he heard Aglovale breathe his name as he came
to himself, and he was vanquished to contrition.

" Fair brother," he said, " could God and you both pardon
me that once my heart was too bitter, now might I serve you."

" How think you ! " said Durnor. " Does Maker God despise
him as did you ? Or would He mix scores as did King
Arthur?"

None heeded him, so he turned and roamed the chamber,
making language to himself. Lamorak, untouched by scoffs,
but greatly abashed by Aglovale's open love, kneeled down
beside him, and when he had prayed, all in diffidence softly he
searched and dressed the renewed wound.

" You are bought at a price, Sir Lamorak ! " cried Durnor.

CHAPTER VI

MY most dear Master has set down little concerning the
death of King Pellinore. The Questing Beast he
mentions, and the Fair Head, and that Gawaine and
his brethren, to avenge their father's death, slew him secretly
ten years later than the wedding of Arthur; the unhappiness
of Sir Tor and the remorse of King Arthur he passes over,
and the whole of that matter rests in pages lost or unwritten.
This story goes on when he was dead whose will would have
kept young Percivale from the hand of his brother Aglovale.

In vain the sad Queen petitioned Lamorak and Tor, with
reminder of the many times Aglovale had amended, but to
turn again to evil courses, and worse than before; they, in
respect of how the boy had plighted love to the broken man,
had no mind to move between them.

In early days, after the death of Pellinore, Lamorak was
gentle and diffident in his dealing with the brother he had
supplanted. Once he asked, all in kindness and courtesy, his
company to the court of King Arthur.

" Is this bidding, my lord Sir Lamorak ? " asked Aglovale.

" Far be it from me to you," said Lamorak, mildly.

" Then," said Aglovale, " I ask to be excused till a time
when you shall be less ready to blush for me."

Lamorak reddened hotly at that; for in truth Aglovale
had rightly read his secret heart, and in stark humility was
ruthless to bring it open. Doubtless Lamorak found it a hard
matter to rule his brother without offence.

Aglovale at this time held no high office in Galis, but
52

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 53

served his brother as steward. It may be that Lamorak,
intending honour and confidence, put many matters into his
hands that he would purposely turn to his own disparagement.
Or it may be that, knowing Lamorak's deficiencies, he honestly
and indifferently lent himself for supply. Either reading finds
warrant in the faults of the one or the other. Lamorak was
lavish, debonair, impetuous, and hated cares; Aglovale was
of an intolerable temper in these years, meeting offence half
way with deference, and enduring favour with greater deference,
as it were the greater offence.

With an anxious mind the Queen their mother watched
the diverse lives of her two sons : Aglovale, who drudged
obscure; Lamorak, who shone in court and field, famous for
his deeds of valour and grace.

By degrees Aglovale assumed larger control. Seeing how
disorders rose and spread for lack of a firm ruler, he took on
himself office as constable, and rode down in force upon trans-
gressors, scouring out abuses in all quarters of Galis. Then
the Queen sent letters to Lamorak that at last fetched him to
her, when she bade him take heed to Aglovale's practice.

" What evil has he turned to ? " said Lamorak.

" None," said the Queen. " He is out of nature blameless.
Yet consider how all your revenues now pass through his
hands ; and how he takes rule of your heritage in arms ; and
your castles are garnished according to his orders ; and lately
he has gone about with mastery, slaying and destroying whoever
withstand him."

" Ah, Madam, I deem you wrong him much. At his worst
he was loyal ever ; and I may not grieve him by distrust."

Straightway, on Tor's advice, Lamorak set about to approve
his brother. He followed up Aglovale, found him destroying
and establishing, sanctioned and confirmed him in all his
doings, and brought him back with him to Cardiff. But
there he afflicted an unhappy temper with his open thanks
and commendation.

Their mother he reassured by a pitiful token : " Aglovale
makes no friends in all the land. He seeks no love, and he

54 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

gets none ; and I, who do little to earn any, enjoy much. I
judge he is rather hated, for he is stark in his dealings."

" Percivale loves him out of measure," said the anxious
mother, " and reverences him the more for some sternness.
He is too young and simple to take other readings, and
Aglovale ever keeps him jealously. Yet remember how he
once led Durnor to folly and detriment."

Lamorak sighed impatiently. "He has had great loss,
and I would not if I could put him from a little gain."

Lamorak now was minded to fulfil his part in respect of
Galis, and to this purpose he was right pleased to find a
treasury well replenished by the prudence and care of Aglovale.
So, after leave of Arthur obtained, he took order to hold a
great tournament at Cardiff, and by Tor's advice sent word
namely to the King of Northgalis and his knights. So North
and South gathered with great noblesse, that their best should
be proved together.

Aglovale, when the day came, refused to take any part,
and no argue or entreaty of his brothers could move him.

"It is great discourtesy and unkindness," said Lamorak,
" and will raise scandal upon us both."

"Plainly, my lord Sir Lamorak, your command I must
obey; but of my own will I will undertake no courtesy
encounters."

" You flinch ! " said Durnor. " Why, 'tis near three years
ago!"

Aglovale flinched indeed; colour and voice forsook him.
He muttered at last, " I have so vowed, till I shall again
repair to the Round Table."

Lamorak reddened and held silent; he could not with a
clear conscience protest; for he had not yet found the heart
to renew his asking.

" Fair brothers," said Aglovale, " this if it please you I will
do : I will challenge one to mortal battle, and so do my part
with the best might of my body."

" Who is he, and what is your cause for battle ? "

" He is a knight of Northgalis, and his name is Sir Gawdelin.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 55

As for the cause, he has slain his cousin of Wales feloniously,
and has taken his wife."

Painful silence ensued. He counted and sounded the deep
of disapprobation by the pause before Lamorak spoke.

" I would it were another man and another cause."

"Sir Lamorak, as you please, I will wage this battle or
I will forbear."

" I will not hinder you," said Lamorak, heavily.

So in due order Aglovale challenged and went to battle
before all that gathering of knights, and the King of Northgalis
as judge. A valiant man was Sir Gawdelin, but he was over-
come after long and hard fighting. But though he yielded
and asked mercy, none might he get of Sir Aglovale, who
plucked his helmet from him and smote off his head. Then
straightway he left the field and unarmed.

Lamorak could not approve him. " Needless have you
given occasion for reproach. You should have granted him
his life — you ! "

" I redeemed my sword fairly," returned Aglovale. " Yet
I doubted not to have my own deeds cast in my teeth. I
tell you this is not for the first time by many."

" Fair brother, you might fall to encounter harsher strictures
than mine."

" I thank you, Sir Lamorak. I know better than you how
my ears had been filled this day, but for your head. You
give voice for many."

Well might Lamorak complain of him: "He is incur-
able. His mind is diseased; he has a ravenous appetite for
mortification."

It must have been about this time that Aglovale took
Percivale with him to Nacien the Hermit. The boy found
matter for wonder by that journey. They rode up the valley
of the Usk and through the Forest Marches — a way they were
to go again, far off in the years, towards the cruel night of
avowal.

To a fail Priory place they came, where Aglovale dis-
mounted and knocked. One came out to ask who he was,

56 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

and Percivale heard his answer : " A sinner named Aglovale
de Galis." Presently came out the Prior, who blessed them,
and took Percivale by the hand and brought him in. Then
he saw a lighted chapel, and in it a rich chantry about a tomb ;
and there his brother came and kneeled. In a while the boy
was led to meat and lodging, but Aglovale did not follow ; and
the place set for him stayed void, and so with the bed.

When at midnight a bell rang, Percivale woke alone, and
rose up to find his brother. All doors stood wide, and every
place was empty till he came to the chapel. There in religious
clothing all were kneeling, and Aglovale still kneeled by the
tomb. Then Percivale heard the Prior's voice lead, and his
brother's voice after him lift up the Miserere. And when they
came to the end, and other voices joined in the Gloria, he
stole away, blind with unaccountable tears, and carried back
to his bed a child's misery for having profanely entered the
reserve of one he worshipped.

In the morning he woke to wonder if he had but dreamed ;
yet the bed beside was all unpressed, and when he descended
to hear Mass, Aglovale still kneeled in his place. The boy
came and kneeled by him, and thrust a timid hand under his
palms to take hold of the hilts of his sword. Aglovale
gripped his fingers so hard that the tears stood in Percivale's
eyes, and his heart was dismayed at a passion he could not
understand.

Straight after Mass they took their leave and rode, and at the
day's end stayed their horses at a hill where Aglovale mounted
alone. When he came again, Nacien the Hermit was with
him, and Percivale, awed before the face of the holy man,
kneeled meekly for his blessing. Nacien gazed long and
earnestly on the boy. Of slender make, and singular beauty,
with a face like a maid, no kind of resemblance had Percivale
to the marred and unlovely man beside him.

Nacien turned to Aglovale and said, "God has been
gracious to you, my son."

Deep into night Aglovale held talk with Nacien. Percivale,
from his loft, could hear alternating murmurs, as wakeful he lay

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 57

for trouble of heart. At last he covered his ears and cowered
from the knowledge that he heard Aglovale sob.

Nacien with the morn found Percivale awaiting him ; and,
while Aglovale slept late and heavy, he questioned the boy and
heard him, finding him in heart and mind right true to faith
and virtue, and passing meek and reverent.

" Know you," said Nacien, " for what cause your brother
brings you here ? "

" He has taught me," said Percivale. " But, sir, I dread
lest I be unworthy to hear of high and holy matters ; and, ah,
sir, as I know, it is heavy dole to trespass."

His eyes so brimmed that Nacien saw, and charged him to
confess his trouble freely ; so Percivale unburdened his heart,
and told him he had spied upon his brother.

" Yet now," he said, " I know not certainly that I did not
dream all; and what to think I know not, nor what to say
to Sir Aglovale."

"What has withheld you from question?" said Nacien.
11 Love or fear ? "

" Alas ! " said Percivale, " as he teaches me I would eschew
both love and fear ; yet now I find that verily it is ever by love
and fear that I would learn of him. Sir, in this matter no
way can I face without fault ; and I fear to do wrong."

Nacien sighed and pondered long ; not for Percivale alone.
" My son," he said, " only seek light of the countenance of God
Almighty, and look not aside this way and that upon needless
inventions. Go forward to do right with all your faults upon
you. As for what you have seen, whether dream or verity,
doubt not your vision was ordained of God, for your guid-
ance now or hereafter. Take heed to be faithful without
presumption."

When, years later, Percivale and Galahad had passed away
in the Quest of the Grail, their fellow, Sir Bors, spoke with
discernment, saying that each had a countenance like an angel ;
but Sir Percivale was most like St. Michael, who ever watches
Satan ; but Sir Galahad was most like St. Gabriel, who ever
watches the Most Highest. Sooth, on the life of Percivale the

58 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

influence of Aglovale rested dominant, and the teaching of
Nacien failed, till he learned it anew from his sister Saint.

For eight days Aglovale left Percivale with Nacien on
Wenlock Edge, then came and took him down to the world
where soon he saw him tried and approved. For the first they
met as they rode beyond Much Wenlock were Sir Meliagraunce
and Sir Bors, fellows ill-matched, for Sir Bors of all the Round
Table was at that time the knight of best life, of kindest heart
to his fellow-man, and of truest worship to his Maker. First
Sir Meliagraunce, with great importunity, would have Sir
Aglovale to turn with him, but when he heard how Sir Gawdelin
had come by his death, he was incensed and very bitter.

Said Aglovale, " I fight but to kill. So have I vowed for
a term."

" Sir," said Bors, " that is pity ; for good friendships and
fellowships are won across swords."

" Aye," said Meliagraunce, moody. " You and I, Sir Agio-
vale, fought once on a certain matter that was light enough,
and vain ; and were the better friends for our pains."

Said Bors presently, " Sir Aglovale, when your term shall
be accomplished, send me a spear of your courtesy, and I will
break it against you with good will."

At that Aglovale was moved and glad. " Sir, lightly will I
send to you so soon as I come again to the Court of King
Arthur."

" Sir, may that be soon."

" As for that I doubt. Only it shall be no later than when
this child is made a knight."

Meliagraunce looked down on the boy and laughed despite-
fully. He was given to ill jesting, and he chose to vent his
grudge by play upon the innocence of Percivale. He set the
boy questions, exhorted him, discoursed on the high calling of
knighthood as the Devil gave him wit ; for he spoke all in covert
derision and with understanding to Sir Aglovale. In vain Sir
Bors sought to turn him : he became the more dangerous. But
Percivale, though harassed, distressed, bewildered under con-
sciousness of mockery, stood ground excellently; in pure

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 59

innocence he made answer so bravely and wisely that even his
brother wondered to hear him; his clear eyes and diffident
bearing added singular value. Meliagraunce left off with a
laugh of a little good grace. He was no bully to browbeat the
boy on defeating his mischief.

Then Percivale saw Bors looking at him ; and at that his
heart flew wide. Bors put his hand upon him ; and at that joy
rushed through him. Aglovale and Meliagraunce rode ahead
at such words as frayed the ties of old friendship, while Bors
and Percivale, the knight of name and the unknown child,
drew abreast at such words as fastened them friends for ever.
What other issue came of that meeting waits to be told in the
story of King Bagdemagus' daughter.

CHAPTER VII

'"T^HROUGH the hazards of years Percivale grew by his

brother's side in ignorance undisturbed by hint or sign.

Aglovale never practised deceit, but Brose dealt him

some lies more or less, and Durnor also played with untruth

out of his improvident kindness.

A sorry page in the life of Aglovale gives the poor return
he made in brotherly kindness to Durnor, who stood by him so
loyally. That Durnor was a brawler, loose and profane,
accounts for his harshness, but little excuses it ; the less that
his own ill example had first misled his brother. His protest
against Durnor's disorder wanted in temper and courtesy ; in
his way of repression he showed no regard for his brother's
head. Angry disputes rose out of the turbulence and license
of Durnor's men; Aglovale, to make an end, himself seized
on delinquents, and three he hanged at the door of their
master's lodge. Durnor, furious at the aifront, promised
revenge, and sought it in arms.

At the instance of the Queen their mother, Aglovale bent
to conciliation. Alone and unarmed he sought his brother, and
asked on what terms he might ransom himself from his dis-
pleasure. Too well was he hated to win through such hazardry
scatheless; before Durnor could answer him a bolt whizzed
and struck in his throat. It is said that he pulled out the bolt,
laughed, and tossed it to Durnor before he fell down choked
with blood.

In a life at that time so barren of generous word and deed,
one instance stands recorded : he asked grace for the villain
who shot him down.

60

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 61

"Since you own he has justified me; and since he has
quit me of your resentment, we are both beholden to him for
clearing our account."

Durnor was contrite for his part ; Aglovale not a whit. So
soon as he was on his feet, his hand was as heavy as before.

In an evil hour Durnor devised a remedy that brought
wrath and grief. He engaged one Annowre, a noted enchant-
ress, to turn Aglovale from his joyless ways. It was a cast of
outrageous folly, but no ill-will was in the mischief he intended.
So he vowed afterwards, and his plea made Aglovale's heart
but the harder against him, and fetched retort that so the more
hopeless beast was he.

The enchantment failed in effect, though potion and spell
were so strong that when Brose came at morn and broke open
the door, he found his master clean out of his wits. Annowre
accounted for her ill success.

" He sleeps in a garment of enchantment. Get from him
that wear of haire and he might not withstand my power."

" Haire night and day ! " muttered Durnor, despairing.
" Oh, poor body and soul ! "

Aglovale's retaliation upon Durnor was shrewd and cruel
and just ; he cut him off from Percivale, and he did it openly
and despitefully. Durnor, of quick affections, raged against
the galling measure. His protest took the shape of siege and
ambush and chase, till Tor advised Lamorak that his two
brothers were mad, and fetched him into Galis for peace.

Against Durnor's passionate complaint of his jealous and
despiteful courses, Aglovale made bitter retort.

" Percivale will I keep from you to the best of my power.
He shall not have a pander to company."

Durnor leapt up, stammering curses. " Would to God you
were not my brother ; so would I pluck out your foul tongue.
Before Heaven I am not so guilty ! Ah, black heart to breed
such venom ! Alas ! brother, pardon, I thought no harm. Let
our brothers judge between us."

" I take no keep how they shall judge ; you shall set no
whore on to play her game with Percivale as you did on to me."

62 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

To Lamorak and Tor no rectitude in Aglovale could show
fair against Durnor, pleading his excuse with indignant tears.

" Neither I nor Sir Tor," said Lamorak, " hold Sir Durnor
deserving such extremes. Are you he, Sir Aglovale, to deal
over exact with transgression."

He was speechless ; so lightly touched he bit the dust.

" As for Percivale," said Lamorak, " for larger cause than
you can show against Sir Durnor, the mother that bore you
mistrusted him to your hands. Now I counsel you to find
some forbearance on the errors of another, or look not to keep
an undue advantage you have by virtue of our silence to
the boy."

Said Aglovale when he could speak, " Sirs, I thank you all
for past kindness."

He uttered no protest ; he turned his back on Durnor ; he
would face his penalty. So he left them.

" Alas ! " said Durnor, " now know I that the land of Galis
will not hold me and brother Sir Aglovale. I will go."

" Not so," said Lamorak, chafed. " If either for peace
must quit this land, it shall be he, not you. He is intolerable."

" He has reason," said Durnor, " since if he is hard on me,
he is far harder on himself. And now he is little likely to
spare me, lest so himself he should be sparing. I choose
to go."

So Durnor took his leave, self-exiled. Aglovale on that
had some compunction. If his brothers required it, he said,
he would himself enlighten Percivale.

" I would well you did," said Lamorak, hardly, " but that
Sir Durnor has set his heart against it."

His brother's curst humours had worn his patience, but at
that time he had no mind to go to extremes.

So for yet another year Aglovale had his way, and kept
order in Galis, earning little praise and much hate because of
his growing cruelty. He also aggrieved Northgalis, dealing
with a high hand. After short warning to the King that he
ruled remiss his borders, he waylaid transgressors and slew and
hanged without ransom. And then he seized on all bridges,

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 63

and some he destroyed, and some he held by force, abating
iniquitous tolls. Yet these violent doings must have been
mainly righteous, since the King of Northgalis dared not urge
out the dispute either in court or field ; moreover, it appears
that later Sir Tor bestirred himself to keep the bridges when
his brother no longer might ; and he was ever upright, passing
true, and courteous.

Complaint against Aglovale grew so heavy that at last
Lamorak called him to account.

" Within the realm of Logris," declared Aglovale, " no lands
are more prosperous than is this your land of Galis ; nor more
secure ; nor more free of evil customs. To this end have I
served truly to the best of my power. Can any from the sea
to the Usk prove injustice at my hands ? "

" Your justice I do not question," said Lamorak, " but what
of your mercy ? I have heard of none. Sir Aglovale, have
you ever shown mercy ? "

"None," he said heavily. "You are qualified to show
mercy ; I may not."

" Brother, the best mercy I can show is to give relief from
your justice. To Cardigan your appanage I will add as largely
as you shall desire for your honour and content, but the rest of
Galis shall do without your handling."

" I want no gift. The half of Galis would not honour and
content me."

"Would aught else?"

" Your countenance and approval."

" That I cannot lend. I am sorry. You have hanged
knights, you have dismembered, in abuse of your place and
trust from my hand. I gave no warrant for your bloody code.
I seek not to bring men to a shaveling pattern ; and that shall
be made known clearly, so that knights of worship and good
fellowship may remain in the land and not avoid it. There-
fore I require you to depart out of Galis for a season."

Aglovale was sorely shocked. " Out of Galis ! Banish-
ment ! "

" You despise a kinder discharge I would provide."

64 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" I care for no cloak to disgrace."

" I pray you remember that Sir Durnor of his own grace
quitted Galis for peace."

Aglovale went down to Cardiff and took to the seas, and
Percivale went with him still.

" Let him keep the boy," said Tor, " that for Percivale's
sake he may not launch on iniquity."

How Aglovale kept the seas, and destroyed pests from the
three channels, need not here be told at length. Before the
year was round Percivale brought him into Cardiff, too
perilously wounded to carry on to Cardigan ; and there under
ward of the Queen for weeks he lay.

He gathered life under heavy discouragement. Brose, with
misplaced satisfaction, brought in to his master reports of dis-
order throughout Galis ; his service of years had vanished like
snow in a day and left no trace. Lamorak could not rule.
Percivale brought Saint to his bedside to tell of King Arthur's
coming to Cardiff on adventure, and of his ending of the
wicked Annowre, and of his encounter unknown with Lamorak.
Every look and word of the King she had treasured ; and as
she rehearsed Aglovale fevered to hear. But on his name no
word or question had fallen to favour his return to his place at
the Round Table. Lamorak, staying on his way to Kinkenadon,
came in, and with sinister courtesy wished him speedy recovery.
It was cruelly said. And with him came Durnor, loth and
constrained, mumbling curses to himself, in fine dread of tread-
ing on his brother brought low. Those two, by opposite ways,
afflicted their unhappy brother equally, for his nature was so
curst. With the waste of six hard years of upright living lay
loss by estrangement from Lamorak and Durnor.

Yet Aglovale deemed he should be granted comfort of
God and man as he lay and watched Percivale. Again in the
window-bay as of old, Percivale and Saint leaned close and
talked low with one heart ; he still gentle and meek and stain-
less in life and thought as she, in form and face almost as
slender and delicate and fair. None seeing him would guess
that like fine steel throughout he came through his brother's

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 65

hands. — This is my perfect work of the years ; this cannot
waste or fail ; clear fire from on high has proved it. Notwith-
standing this contentment, sudden tears would storm him
merely at the sight of the brother and sister speaking eye to
eye, without a shadow of doubt or reserve or dread between
their white souls ; then would he turn his face to the wall and
lie strangling, lest the innocent should chance to see how the
damned do weep. So feeble he was then.

From his bed Aglovale took up resolution again. He sent
to his brother Tor, who came kindly himself to answer, and
would not leave him till his recovery. Of all his brothers, the
bastard was he who could speak his mind frankly to him with-
out afflicting. Fearless, honest, single-minded, Tor was wise
also, wise as is best, from the heart ; and Aglovale by this
time was willing to learn.

He let Aglovale understand how his hard ruling had
tended to provoke present disorders, and how unwise had been
his grasp of control single-handed; he had not set men of
worship, good and loyal, to exercise authority and spread
respect of law.

" But in your day," said Tor, sadly, " you would take no
counsel, nor measure means. What profit to harrow over the
past for barren cult ? "

Said Aglovale, suddenly, " Put case Sir Lamorak die with-
out lawful issue, who, think you, should bear rule in Galis ? "

u Whomsoever he should will and appoint."

" My birthright was set aside for Lamorak, and I gave
consent and pledge to serve him j but not any other after him.
And so, brother, I warn you : not you, a bastard, nor Durnor,
a fool and worse."

Said Tor, " Are you setting for Percivale ? "

"No. I am setting for the weal of Galis and for the
continuance of a noble line in time to come."

" This is over early. Here be you four brethren, young
and likely, though as yet unwed, to raise up lawful seed after
you."

"Lamorak will not wed, as he may not take to wife
F

66 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Morgause of Orkney. Durnor breeds bastards. I shall die
out and leave no life behind. Percivale, as he is, God keep
him."

" Brother," said Tor, " I like not this setting for my part.
Here also is barren cult."

Tor was all in the dark, and never guessed to what his
brother was addrest, not even when Aglovale took ship and
went to seek Lamorak on Kinkenadon Sands. None would
he have with him when he landed, so Tor stayed aboard and
from afar saw their meeting. Then he knew what he could
not hear : Aglovale humbled himself to beg office again of his
brother. And Lamorak, he saw, refused with anger; and
refused and refused, as Aglovale doggedly followed when he
turned from him, and would not be quitted. While day ran
down the sky, Tor wished the dark to cover a sight so grievous
and pitiful ; and while summer night lay blind, he wished it
gone, with his doubt that the pair were still wrestling on in the
dark, up and down above the tides.

Dawn brought Aglovale back, dragging like one wounded.
He showed Lamorak's sign and seal.

" Alas ! " said Tor, " but there is no worship here on the
getting or the giving."

" None, none ! " said Aglovale, low of breath.

" You have done what I could not. Where is your sword ?
Ah, Sir Aglovale, let me in for comfort, as I am your father's
son."

" Would to God I were the bastard ! Sir Lamorak has
granted to try me for another year, upon terms that I bear no
arms in Galis, and lose no knight his life or limb. I have sworn.
Eh, Tor ! Nay, dam up your eyes. Why ? " he laughed.

Yet even at that pass, Lamorak had cared for his unhappy
brother, by those hard provisions desiring to compel his return
to adventure outside Galis. When his reckoning proved short
he hardened his heart and stood to the terms.

" He is starving at heart," said Tor.

" It is well," returned Lamorak ; " I will starve him out of
this curst temper."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 67

But to the year's end Aglovale held out, and it was
Lamorak who owned defeat ; and very heartily he embraced
his brother when he gave him back his sword without
condition.

" Fair lord Sir Lamorak, if it please you to discharge me
now, I promise you shall find begun a sounder order than
before, and a good man to take in place of me."

" I have no will," said Lamorak, " to withhold from you
full licence and countenance and approval. You can rule, fair
brother, and I cannot : that is truth."

" You were not born to it," said Aglovale.

Lamorak knew well enough whom Aglovale considered a
good man. This was Sir Hermind, their near cousin, an
upright man and sturdy, body and mind; a sure knight by
head and hand, quick of understanding and prudent in speech.
He had served in the wars against Rome with his kinsmen of
Galis, and they liked him well. From no fault of his, he had
suffered an adverse turn very like Sir Aglovale's : his half-
brother, Hermance of the Red City, had rewarded his loyal
service with great injustice, banishing him at the instance of
two base favourites from his lands in Northumbria. He
whom I love so much tells how in the end King Hermance
was murdered by those two villains, and how then Sir Hermind
came, knightly and brotherly, to avenge his death and to bury
him.

Aglovale by that bitter year of probation had won much,
and namely the lasting esteem of a just and noble man ; for
Sir Hermind had seen with wonder how he spent himself for
the weal of Galis, wise, diligent, patient, under disadvantage
and through peril ; and he had given himself freely to his help,
and had never failed him since.

Percivale in that bitter year had won much, and namely he
had won his brother's life against perilous hates that were out
against him. Strict to the letter of his hard conditions,
Aglovale wore no harness even for defence; and he would
take no keep of himself, nor would he shun hazarding the life
more precious to him than his own. Percivale and Brose

68 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

never left him. Time and time again he had to watch, and
feel as women do, desperate fight in his defence rending his
heart ; though there was sweet joy to see how young Percivale
fought and won worship. With rapture he fought for the
brother he reverenced ; in beautiful humility he looked for no
praise; on success his heart was uplifted in love; his faith
kept him without dread.

Surely he was perfect for knighthood.

Nacien the Hermit made such joy when they came to him
that Aglovale was almost satisfied he recognized his brother's
worth. Yet it was not joy that made the old man's eyes
glisten when face to face alone he gave ear to his telling of
Percivale.

"He is of perfect faith and a pure spirit. Every blow he
gives yields praise to God, and every blow he takes yields prayer.
Overthrow makes him no shame, and excellence no vainglory.
He has slain no man, for the grace of God is in his hands.
And he is a maiden clean of life and heart."

" And you, my son ? " said Nacien.

" I — I hope. He is my warrant. I have none other. Ah
God, none ! Yet for seven years I have tried truly to serve
God and man."

" God forsakes His true servants never."

" Sir, this I know : the Devil forsakes his servants never.
Him I served, and I cannot get free. For ever he bids me
break chastity, and ever he bids me resent humiliation ; and as
I do not, night and day, flesh and spirit must burn at his
fires, for he is my master. Ah God, ah God, I get no ease !
Lo, in Percivale how chastity and humility grow like flowers
that are sweet to the sun. Lo, in me the same fume like
scutch, and my own brothers let me know of evil odour."

Nacien, when he had examined them both and confessed
them clean, marvelled over them ; for one was so white of
heart, and one so corrupt, and both in life were constant and
clean and upright.

" The ground of all virtue the one of you owns : that is
patience. The crown of all virtue the one of you yet lacks :

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 69

that is charity. My son, God may yet require more of your
patience to learn your brother charity."

With dread Aglovale heard, deeming these words were
prophecy of a thing he dared not face.

With dread heavy upon him he went down to Camelot to
face King Arthur, and re-entered the streets by which he had
gone out, barefoot and decried, seven years before. He whom
I love so much tells how he sped then.

Hard at Aglovale looked the King, and coldly he asked
him what he required.

" My lord, I require you to make this young squire a knight."

Beside his brother, Percivale showed strangely young and
fair and slender for that request. He blushed for awe like a
girl as the King looked hard at him in turn.

" Of what lineage is he come ? " said Arthur.

" Sir, he is the son of King Pellinore that did you some
time good service, and he is brother to Sir Lamorak de Galis
the good knight."

" Well," said the King, " for what cause desire you that of
me, that I should make him knight ? "

For a moment Aglovale's answer hung, and Percivale,
amazed, heard him catch his breath.

" Wit you well, my lord the King, that this young squire is
brother to me as well as to Sir Lamorak. And my name is
Aglovale."

In silence King Arthur mused awhile, gazing without a
sign of recognition on his unwelcome knight. Percivale's
heart dropped from the sky. He looked at his brother and
quick away, ashamed to have seen. For Aglovale's face was
like dark ash ; sweat stood on his brow ; his eyes were fixed
and dead.

" Sir Aglovale," said Arthur, " for the love of Sir Lamorak,
and for his father's love, he shall be made knight to-morrow.
Now tell me his name."

" Sir, his name is Percivale de Galis."

Nothing passed between the brothers as they sought their
lodging, till Percivale spoke with something of his old timidity.

70 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Hear me a question, brother."

" Yea, speak," said Aglovale, with a tight heart.

" Have you remembrance of your promise to send a spear
to Sir Bors de Ganis ? "

Aglovale looked his brother in the eyes ; they were clear
and steady. " Marry," said he, " that is well said."

Upon the morrow in due form Percivale was made a
knight.

" I counsel you," said Arthur, " to seek the fellowship of
noble knights of the pattern of your brother Sir Lamorak."

" Sir," said Percivale, low, " I would take the pattern of my
brother Sir Aglovale."

Sir Mordred heard and laughed out, and for a jest he
carried about that answer. Few at that hour deemed the
young knight of good promise, for he was meek as a dove and
showed no fire nor strength.

When the tables were set, Sir Kay the Seneschal took
Percivale, and brought him to the lowest board among knights
of poor degree, for so he said had the King commanded.
And he said sinister, that he was loth thus to part them, yet
unhappily Sir Aglovale had his place at the Round Table. For
Sir Kay had been suckled churlish, that his courteous mother
might nourish the babe Arthur.

Aglovale went on to his old place and sat down once more
among his fellows, so sore at heart for Percivale's sake that he
scarcely saw who saluted him and who did not. He was more
forgotten than he knew, and more changed ; old acquaintance
had simple cause to pause, for trouble had seared and ravaged
as much as twenty years.

He looked about him as the sieges filled up for the dinner.
Some were covered and many were vacant. The Siege
Perilous, that had never been filled, was covered in white ; next
to the right was one covered in black, where King Pellinore
had sat ; and the next that was Lamorak's was void. To the
left the sieges filled. Sir Launcelot came in and sat down
between Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector de Maris. The sons
of Lot were there. A stranger came and sat down on his

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 71

right in place of an old acquaintance, Sir Hervis de Revel ; on
his other hand the siege was covered in black, for another, Sir
Galagars, lately dead.

Then Aglovale beheld a maiden enter in clothing of white
sendal, her visage pale with coming death, and radiant. A
hush and murmur of pity passed along : " Alas ! it is the mute
maid." Down the hall she went straight to Percivale, and
took him by the hand ; and from her who had never uttered
any word sprang speech loud and clear.

" Arise, Sir Percivale, the noble knight and God's knight,
and go with me."

At that miracle deep silence ensued. And Percivale in
noble simplicity rose and followed the maiden up the hall
Straight she brought him to the right side of the Siege Perilous,
and stripped off the cover of black.

"Fair knight, take here thy siege," she said, "for this siege
appertaineth to thee and to none other." Then she departed
and went to be blessed for death.

Percivale sat and regarded none but his brother; and
Aglovale laughed for joy and thanked God aloud. Then the
knight nearest Percivale leaned across the Siege Perilous and
caught him by the hand; and turning, he saw Sir Bors de
Ganis, and joy rushed through him, for now they were fellows
indeed. Of all those present, only the sons of Lot were not
glad for the worship of Percivale.

For eight days the court of Arthur had been joyless and
heavy, since Sir Tristram the noble knight had departed for
Cornwall with his worst enemy King Mark, the fair-spoken,
false coward. Now life and gladness renewed for the
coming of Percivale with miracle, and lightly after dinner the
King required his knights to take on their harness and prove
their new fellow in breaking spears. So to a fair meadow
beside Camelot they went down; and there Sir Aglovale
broke his spear with Sir Bors, and after encountered with
Sir Dinadan, Sir Bruin le Noir, Sir Kay L'Estrange, Sir
Sagwarides, and got no fall ; and there Sir Percivale broke
many spears, and got no fall though great knights proved

72 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

him ; as namely, Sir Pelleas, Sir Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Gareth,
Sir Bleoberis.

Said Sir Kay the Seneschal, " Lo now ! how softness and
fat grow in an eight days, for these lean brothers of Galis so to
hold their own."

Said Sir Dinadan, "Go prove if you be lean and hard
enough."

On that Sir Kay took his spear, went into the range and
required Sir Aglovale to just ; and so hard he smote him that
he laid him backward upon his horse, broke his vizard, and
bruised his face.

" Well," said Dinadan, " you have dealt unhandsomely with
Sir Aglovale ; now go against Sir Percivale."

" By my faith, no ! " said Kay. " As I am a man, I should
be loth so to spoil the face of a pretty maid."

"Sir," said Percivale, "I had rather encounter your great
spear than your mocks. And, sir, from knights that are named
before you have I got no hurt."

"Yea, yea," said Kay, "that is sooth. Neither would I
give you hurt ; and so, faith of my body ! I will not have
ado with you this day. Well, well, Sir Bors," said Kay,
"whom God favours should not man also favour? Content
you, Sir Percivale," said Kay, "your pattern brother Sir
Aglovale got off lightly by favour in this same field years ago,
and has been content for his part."

The sight of Aglovale's face strained grey drew Percivale
past heeding Sir Kay.

At this day's end came Brose before Percivale, and with
him a lad, who stood forward a suitor.

" Sir, for the sake of this day's worship will you to grant
any man his reasonable asking ? "

" I will well to man or boy," said Percivale.

" Then, sir, grant me to serve you, even as my brother
Brose serves Sir Aglovale."

Now, the boy's stature was so low for his years that his
asking seemed scarce reasonable.

"Ah, Brose," said Aglovale, "you should have asked

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 73

this for yourself. And well I would Sir Percivale had the best
squire that ever I tried ; and to no other master I would speed
you willingly."

" Sir, I want no other. Sir, favour Bennet ray brother ; he
is well conditioned and better nurtured than I."

Sir Aglovale denied him shortly. "He is young and
untried, and asks presumptuous. Sir Percivale shall not take
him by my counsel till he be grown and trained. But he
shall send him to the Queen at Cardiff, and request her to
enter him in her household that he may grow for a twelve-
month ; and afterwards I myself will take him and try him till
he be fit to serve Sir Percivale."

In sore disappointment Brose broke out insolent, "To
take and try him as me you took and tried a twelvemonth !
God defend ! "

Straightway Percivale refused Bennet till he should have
satisfied Sir Aglovale. Brose muttered and eyed his master
resentfully.

" I kept my mouth fairly enough at that time, and ever
since till now : yet not a good word for the asking. What a
fool am I ! "

At this temper and language Aglovale a little smiled, sure
enough of his man, and passed it without rebuke.

" Be not aggrieved," said Percivale kindly to the boy.
" Though I cannot now please you, I promise you I will take
you and none other so soon as you are fit, for sole reason
and sufficient that you came first suitor on my knighthood."

Brose was sore and angry, deeming that had he and his
master kept from words Bennet's suit might have prospered.
After Sir Aglovale's example, he had set his heart on his young
brother, and had promised himself to take him, and make him,
and bring him on to a better state than his own. And he had
set his faith strongly on the luck of the day that should bring
Percivale to the Round Table. On such a day he had sued
and had won his master ; he took him with a blow and a curse,
yet he took him. You shall repent, said Brose; and he, in
time,— I do repent. Yet he could deny him on such a day his

74 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

claim to favour, and set Sir Percivale to deny Bennet. The
man's resentment did not lightly pass; for many days by
sullenness and negligence he reminded his master of the
grudge he held. But Aglovale with singular patience bore
with him, and when Percivale wondered he excused him,
" Great is his love for his young brother."

As for Bennet, he took his disappointment with a better
grace, and departed speedily for Cardiff charged with messages
to the Queen that should gladden her with news of Sir
Percivale. By the way Sir Tor and Sir Durnor met him, and
hearing his tidings, turned aside to rejoice with their brothers.

" Alas ! but where is Sir Lamorak ? " said Durnor. " He
should be here; all five at once to sit down at the Table
Round. We sons of Pellinore, five ; those sons of Lot, five.
Man for man, I warrant we five could knock the worth of those
five. And they know it."

Truly they knew it ; and therefore, fresh edged, the four that
were murderers, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, and Mordred,
took up a settled purpose. Already in these terms they had
counselled and agreed : " This Sir Lamorak," said Gawaine,
" we slew his father King Pellinore, who slew our father King
Lot ; and for the despite of Pellinore, Sir Lamorak did us a
shame to our mother. Therefore I will be revenged." And
his three brethren : " Let see how you will or may be revenged
and you shall find us ready." And Sir Gawaine : " Hold you
still and we shall espy our time."

Now again they heard Sir Gawaine in counsel : " Let us
send and fetch our mother here to this castle beside Camelot ;
and when she is here, soon will Sir Lamorak be here also.
And truly he will think well by her coming here that King
Arthur has bidden her, meaning to overrule in her marriage.
Then may we see our time when he goes to her privily, and
slay him as we slew his father." So they planned murder.

Matched man to man King Pellinore had not died; and
man to man they never laid to meet any one of Pellinore's
sons afterwards. Yet they lacked not valour, not the worst of
them ; but they were passing vindictive, and bloodthirsty men.

75

So far as can be known, Sir Lamorak never beheld his
young brother a knight \ certainly they never sat side by side
at the Round Table to fill up the joy of Aglovale. For first
King Arthur removed from Camelot and sojourned awhile at
Caerlion upon Usk beside Galis ; and after Sir Percivale went
into Cornwall on a Quest that was long and arduous, to deliver
Sir Tristram. For King Mark, after his nephew Tristram had
saved him from his enemies, broke the faith he had sworn on
a book before King Arthur and all his knights, and made away
with him, so that none knew whether he were prisoned or
dead.

My most dear Master tells how Percivale sped. By his
knightly means Sir Tristram was found and delivered, and
Cornwall eased of insurgent wars; and afterwards he con-
fronted Mark and admonished him in clear simplicity of
heart.

Said Mark, " I may not love Sir Tristram who loveth my
Queen and wife La Beale Isoud."

Said Percivale, " Ah, fie for shame, never say so. Are you
not uncle to Sir Tristram, and he your nephew. Never think
that so noble a knight as Sir Tristram is would do himself so
great a villainy to hold his uncle's wife. Howbeit," said
Percivale, "he may love your Queen sinless because she is
called one of the fairest ladies of the world."

So he spoke in all sincerity, as he knew no worse and was
slow to think evil. Well might his fellow-knights wonder
over such an one, casting thought that he was brother to Sir
Aglovale. In the event his good words were not justified, nor
his easy trust to the promises of King Mark. For as soon as
he was gone out of Cornwall, Mark plotted afresh ; he set his
Queen, La Beale Isoud, as a lure for Sir Tristram, and took
him again prisoner. He in turn was betrayed to prison by
La Beale Isoud, and she fled the kingdom with her lover
Tristram.

Another manner of ending came of the like luring of
Lamorak by means of Queen Morgause. He whom I love
so much has told us that tale. Sir Lamorak came indeed, and

76 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

with the Queen, unarmed, Sir Gaheris surprised him. With
drawn sword and all armed came in Gaheris. He caught his
mother by the hair and struck off her head.

Cried Lamorak, " Ah, why have you slain the mother that
bore you ? With more right you should have slain me."

Said Gaheris, " Because thou art unarmed I am ashamed
to slay thee. But wit thou I shall slay thee. And now my
mother is quit of thee."

So Lamorak went forth alive, bloodstained and shamed by
the death of that fair Queen he loved.

All this and more of the same may be read in that tale.
And also, elsewhere, more of the noble battles of Sir Lamorak :
how he fought Sir Palamides the Saracen, and after promised
to love him above all his brothers, excepting his half-brother
Tor; how secretly he encountered the sons of Lot and put
them to the worse ; how to Surluse he came on a sudden and
shone at his last tournament ; how for the sake of Arthur he
revenged the overthrow of these his nephews ; how then King
Arthur vainly entreated, "Oh, Lamorak, abide with me, and
by my crown I shall never fail thee;" and last, how he
parted from Launcelot weeping and bewept, and rode away
alone.

He was seen alive never again. Pierced villainously back
and breast, his dead body witnessed to a foul battle. He had
lived not twenty-nine years. Men deemed his great renown
was yet increscent.

By the mouth of Palamides praising the dead, Percivale
heard the tidings, and he swooned for sorrow.

" Alas ! my good and noble brother Sir Lamorak now shall
we never meet," said Percivale. " In all the wide world a man
might not find such a knight as he was of his age. It is too
much to suffer the death of our father King Pellinore, and now
the death of our good brother Sir Lamorak."

As for Aglovale, he almost died for sorrow. That strange
physical affliction recurred; old wounds opened and bled as
though in his members he were weeping blood for his brother.
Most lamentable, the wound in his side that Lamorak had

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 77

touched to heal broke afresh. "Ah, Lamorak ! " cried Aglovale,
in great distress. Brose feared for his wits, and he deemed it
was only the timely presence of Percivale that brought him
sane alive.

As for Durnor, within a month, slain by unknown hands,
the body of Durnor was found wanting burial.

CHAPTER VIII

MY most dear Master in his books does now and again
set down times and places somewhat at random ; and
so for the next record of Aglovale time is out of gear,
and the interlock of many parts passes all skill to readjust.
Some of the story of Sir Percivale is lost ; but what remains
tells that he endured meekly some scorns, maybe on account
of his pattern brother, maybe on account of his maiden life and
his maiden sword ; for as yet, though his fame budded fair, he
had slain man never. According to my most dear Master, the
madness of Launcelot befell about this time ; and when he was
lost, King Arthur, at the instance of Queen Guenever, desired
Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale, with Sir Gawaine and others, to
take upon them to seek him throughout all England, Wales,
and Scotland.

Now shall be told how it came to pass that Aglovale
soon forfeited the King's grace, and came at last to despair and
living death.

Three and twenty knights went out of Camelot on the
quest of Sir Launcelot, and shortly departed to all quarters of
the realm of Logris. Gawaine went north with his kin, and
the two brothers of Galis turned west to search their own land
and the Marches.

Now for the last time Aglovale and Percivale ride together.

Of the woes awaiting them, the first they met at Cardiff.
There in piteous case they found the Queen their mother,
whose grief for the death of Lamorak had put her from
reason. With fond words, used to them in childhood, she

78

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 79

claimed her sons and chid their absence ; she bewept herself,
as but now newly widowed ; she remembered recent woe with
a great cry, "Lamorak is dead — is dead!" and refused
comfort.

" Ah, my dear sons, when your father was slain he left me
four sons, of the which now be twain slain ; and for the death
of my noble son Sir Lamorak shall my heart never be glad."

Now one and now the other she implored never to leave
her more. Such equal eager love had not blessed her first-
born for long years. Also King Pellinore's likeness in him,
begrudged to him for shame, now gratified the poor Queen, as
when she was first a mother. By the death of Lamorak came
so much favour to Aglovale. For dear grief he had no voice
to speak, and it was Percivale who denied her prayer.

" Ah, sweet mother, we may not. We be come of king's
blood of both parties, and therefore it is our kind to haunt
arms and noble deeds."

She kneeled down before her sons at their going, and com-
plained and clung with frantic grief. Round Percivale she
locked her arms, babbling her dread of the treasons of the
House of Lot ; how but by treason had King Pellinore died,
and Lamorak, who of knighthood had but few fellows.

Then came the maiden Saint to release her brother, and so
spoke her noble heart that she prevailed. Swooning, the
Queen fell away, and her sons departed then, never to see
her more.

The second woe was not slow to follow. From Cardiff
a devil possessed Brose brewing mischief of his love to his
young brother Bennet. For Sir Aglovale, on review, again
refused to favour the lad and shorten his probation that had
but two months to run. The man's exasperation grew under
the patience of his master, and he pushed far in insolent
misconduct.

" Let him be awhile, Percivale ; he is sore. He loves
well that little brother. I need not cure him ; he will mend."

Up the valley of the Usk they rode, crossed the river at
eve and found lodging. The day was tuned by the harvest

80 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

reaping, the night by thunder muttering from the Black
Mountains. All next day the thunder boomed as they left the
cornlands and made for the North Marches ; and the heavens
were black with coming tempest when they stayed for harbour-
age with a courteous gentleman.

Now, Percivale had not entered with Aglovale, but was still
without, when downhill came one riding at speed; and he
wondered when he knew him for Bennet. Breathless and
eager the boy came up to him, and delivered a message of
greeting from the Queen; and then he ungirt his coat, and
took from round his body chains of gold, sent by her to serve
them for spending.

" How now ! " said Percivale. " Are you wounded ? "

" Sir," said Bennet, flushing, " I lay last night with a mixed
company, and two rogues spied out what I bore, and in a
wood awaited me and set upon me. Yet, sir, as you see, I
sped well enough."

Then, as Percivale commended him heartily, " Sir," he said,
" if you deem I deserve, speak for me now to my lord Sir
Aglovale, that he suffer me now to follow him, so to fit me to
follow and serve you."

" I will well," said Percivale, and took the boy up with him
to a chamber where Sir Aglovale with Brose was about to
unarm. But when Aglovale had heard Bennet's errand and
request, suddenly he asked him at what time he set out from
Cardiff.

Said Bennet, hastily, " Yester noon — a little after."

" At what pace did you ride, then ? I see your horse down
there reeking."

" Sir, I made what speed I might. Sir, as you know, I was
hindered."

Bennet fronted Sir Aglovale's gaze steadily, but it chanced
that lightning showed how his nerves were strung.

" Show your wound."

Very readily the boy unbound his arm and presented a
gash to view. Sir Aglovale took him by the hand and
examined silently. Thunder was a relief on the hush.

81

" At what time fell this mishap ? "

" About prime."

Aglovale took from him the binding, and examined the
bright bloodstains. Bennet would have withdrawn his hand,
but it was gripped harder. When questioned closely concern-
ing his defence he answered briskly, but as the dreaded Sir
Aglovale scrutinized his countenance he began to cast looks
aside to Brose and Sir Percivale. The cruel hawk face
darkened as the frightened boy paled.

" It is a lie," said Aglovale.

Not a word could Bennet utter. Only thunder spoke.

In ruthless temper Aglovale tightened his savage hold till
the boy winced and panted. Brose saw the wrung fingers
oozing red at the tips, and began to choke and to curse.

" Brose, is this of your contrivance ? "

" No," said Bennet, " no."

" I shall have much to teach you," said Aglovale, grimly,
" as Brose can warn you, before ever I pass you to serve on
Sir Percivale."

" Speak ! " said Percivale, " if you be not the low cheat
you look."

Brose stood by his brother and lifted his voice in defiance.

" Bennet," he cried, " is not the first you have known, O my
lord, to devise on himself a wound for getting at a service he
desired ! I — you — have known that done before."

" Ah, mercy ! " gasped the boy, twisting.

Sir Aglovale let him go, and turned upon Brose. " What
you have to say, say quickly."

" Low cheat," growled Brose. " Low cheat. Sir Percivale
named Bennet low cheat."

" Fair brother," said Aglovale, " question the boy — you.
Have out the truth."

He went pacing to and fro while Percivale took confession
from Bennet. Brose listened scowling, watching his goaded
master, but he said nothing more.

" Be content," then said Aglovale, " that you are yet in the
Queen's service, not in mine. Get you back for payment on
G

82 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

unfaithfulness and negligence in discharge of your errand.
You should be in no case for riding had you such payment as
I would grant you ; for I let you know your portion of stripes
should be doubled because you practised for your own ends.
And I let you know — you, Brose — that he should be paid at your
hands. Since you are so forward to advance the boy, I will
teach you to cure him."

Blood rushed up the face of Brose. " Sir," he said thickly,
" an you let me know you can play the devil, I let you know
I can too ! Enforce me, and I let you know I can also
enforce you, maugre your head, to cure your brother Sir
Percivale of calling ' low cheat ' on Bennet."

At that, " I doubt you not ! " said Aglovale, and therewith
struck with all his weight and felled Brose. The blow was
barbarous, iron-gloved, laying open the man's cheek.

" Read my token ! Since I must needs make of you an
example before your brother, read my token ! "

Brose was mastered. He stood up broken to sullen shame.
" Sir Percivale shall hear aught that you can plead for your
young brother. Speak it out, Brose."

" Sir, not now," faltered the boy ; " rather do I go back on
my asking as unreasonable."

" Rather as you like not the wage of cheating and lying."
" My lord, not so ! I have stomach for all. What Brose
can take, that can I, deserved or undeserved."

" An that be honestly said, Bennet," said Aglovale, " I am
content to hold to terms, with promise that at need you shall
get your fill."

" Then I, too," said Percivale, " do confirm my promise,
albeit not gladly."

" Bind up both your hurts, and quickly, for Bennet shall
amend his negligence with all despatch."

Neither ventured a word of appeal, though the quickening
thunder uttered cause. Bennet learned two messages : one for
the Queen to her comfort, and desiring her blessing on her
sons; one for the seneschal to his own discomfort, desiring
punishment. Then he went.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 83

Brose turned without a word and kneeled to unarm his
master. Then entered that gentleman, their host, to speak in
Bennet's behoof that he should stay, because of the passing
day, and the great near storm, and because, he said, the ways
were not cleared of evil customs.

" Ah, my lord," muttered Brose at Aglovale's knee, " he is
but young."

Aglovale would not relent ; but he closed with an offer for
a change of horse. So shortly Brose heard hoofs go below,
and beheld the wan, unhappy face of Bennet upturned ; and as
he went about his master, anon far off saw the horse shying at
the lightning, and anon higher against the gulf of the sky saw
the boy pass away, as great drops dashed the casement.

About midnight the great fury of the storm abated;
lightning turned to lambent sheets, thunder to distant growls,
rain ceased. In the quiet pauses, Brose, from his pallet by the
door, heard the deep breathing of Sir Aglovale asleep. Then
he saw Sir Percivale rise up softly from his place, and come to
stand beside his brother and contemplate h is face by the play
of the sheet lightning. So standing in his shirt, his youthful
beauty so illumed, Brose likened him to a heavenly warder,
even to the chief Saint Michael. He likened himself, and a
little writhed. Then Percivale kneeled down beside Aglovale
and prayed a great while, and went again and lay down. What
this might betoken Brose dreaded to know; yet he had a
deeming and becursed his tongue.

Riding on their way when morn was at prime, they came
to a ford of the Wye hard by a castle standing above a slope.
There they passed by a churchyard, where stood many round
about a corpse lapped for burial, while men broke the sodden
ground for a grave. Sir Aglovale stayed to question, and one
came forward to answer.

" Fair knight, here lies a squire shamefully slain this
night"

" How was he slain ? "

" Sir, the lord of this castle lodged this squire this night,
and because he said he was servant to a good knight that is

84 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

with King Arthur, whose name is Sir Aglovale, therefore
the lord commanded to slay him, and for this cause is he
slain."

With a cry Brose danged down to the grave, caught away
covering, and gave to sight the face of Bennet, and the wounds
hacked over his body, and his dead eyes.

The stranger women and men fell aweeping for pity of the
man, agape and huddled, and moaning over the dead lad on
his knees.

" Jesu God ! " whispered Percivale, with a sob, " help us
quick and dead."

Aglovale gazed stock still. "Gramercy," he said at last,
" and ye shall see his death revenged lightly, for I am that
same knight for whom this squire was slain."

Straight he lighted down and Percivale also ; they charged
men with their horses, and together mounted the slope and
came to the courtyard and gates of the castle.

Said Aglovale to the porter, "Go to your lord, and tell
him that I am Sir Aglovale for whom this squire was slain this
night."

Word ran throughout the castle, and presently, while they
waited in the court, a fierce damsel looked out from a window
above. " Soho, Sir Aglovale, otherwise Sir Sinister ! " she
called ; and he, looking up, met shameful memories in a face
he knew once. She spat upon him, and used other names, and
terms that made Percivale's ears tingle.

" Now," she said, " I give you to know that for my sake
will my lord Sir Goodewin add dishonour to death, and will
give a portion from that your carcase for my dog to eat. And
in hell remember me. Lo, here is your death."

Then Sir Goodewin came out, ready armed, all the knights
of his household at his back.

" Which of you," he said, " is Sir Aglovale ? "

" Here am I," said Aglovale. " For what cause have you
slain this night my mother's squire ? "

" I slew him because of you, for you slew my brother
Sir Gawdelin."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 85

" As for your brother, I avow it. I slew him, for he was a
false knight, and a betrayer of ladies and of good knights."

At that the damsel overhead lifted hateful laughter against
him, and those below echoed it.

" For the death of my squire," said Aglovale, " you shall
die."

" For the death of my brother," said Sir Goodewin, " you
shall die."

Without more words they went to strokes. And presently
Percivale went to strokes also, for the damsel's naming and
scorns, taken up by those below, drove him wild ; and fiercely
he defied all, and fought all that would stand. For the first
time in his life he fought wickedly, without prayer, with savage
will to slay, and joy over the slain. Three lay dead, and the
rest fled wounded, while still Sir Aglovale and Sir Goodewin
fought together. At her window the damsel danced and
cursed, watching the fray, till Sir Goodewin fell past rising,
and Aglovale unlaced his helm; then frantic she cried for
grace.

He died as a valiant man ; with no vain prayer for mercy,
but a curse on his slayer, he faced the stroke that took off his
head. Then were all the windows silent.

Aglovale stood and regarded his brother and the dead men.
" Slain ! Percivale, you have slain ! "

For answer Percivale came and embraced him, and said
only, " Fair, dear brother ! " over and over again, with a kind
of passion.

Aglovale groaned, " Alas ! alas ! " for he knew so that for
his sake Percivale had slain, and for cause unrighteous.

By the half-turned sods sat Brose, still holding the dead
lad, taking no heed of going and coming.

Aglovale spoke hoarse, " Brose, now is your brother's death
avenged."

The man lifted an intolerable stare, bared his teeth, and
cried, " On whom ? "

Aglovale was knocked out of words, and Percivale shed
tears of pity and gall.

86 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Alas ! poor Bennet ! " said he. " God rest his soul ! He
paid dear for an untrue word."

Brose, in his anguish, fetched out a laugh against his master,
so like the damsel's that Percivale's blood curdled and spun.

" He paid for me ! " said Agio vale. " Ah, God, for me ! "

" Provide my brother his grave," said Brose, " you who
provided his death."

" It is due. Charge me according to your grief."

" Not here ; not lonely ! My lord Sir Aglovale, you have
provided death and burial for better than he. It were meet
to give him a little room on that same ground. I would have
him wait Doomsday there."

" So be it," said Aglovale, heavily. " Nor will I lie down
nor break fast till this be done."

Afterwards, when Brose came to open speech with Perci-
vale, he vowed that, however he had said and done contrary,
he had never departed from the great love and worship he
bore his unhappy master.

" I willed to cut him out of my heart, seeing how he was
the cause of Bennet's death, and how he had used him harshly
— and I could not. God knows how sore I was rent. God
knows if I gave worse hurt than I got. Look back, sir, now,
on that dolorous road we paced to the burial of Bennet : all
those two days my master bore with me, never lifting look
or word of resentment, though I did not spare to add to his
affliction, and surely the Devil lent me the wit for it. I did
not spare ! for Bennet's sake I would not ; dead, he claimed
me to be wholly his brother. Yet found I no deliverance from
love and worship. Ah, my master ! In all the world there is
none like him — none ! "

Near by a certain forest crossway a little chapel had been
builded since the days of Sir Turquine, where a good man
served with orisons. There the body of Bennet had lodging
and pious watching for the night.

Forth went Aglovale to that purlieu of his old villainy, to
stand out the night against his sins. There breathed he, sentinel
till morn, the heavy scents of elder-blossom, while night birds

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 87

flitted to and fro, and night beasts harried by moonlight.
Ever, as he stared down fatal roads, before him in ghostly
presence went along, wounded and bound, one who had
trusted to him, whom he had deserted, and betrayed to miser-
able death.

He never knew that two kept secret vigil with him. Perci-
vale apart, down on his knees, down on his face, wept his
prayers. Brose apart, sweated hot and cold, as the blood of
brotherhood revolted against the master he so fiercely loved.

By another night, those three unhappy souls were come
with the body of Bennet to a certain Priory, where Aglovale
answered at the gate as of old. There, while interment was
made in good order, with many candles and requiem, Pecivale
in the midst sank down, overborne by heavy sleep ; for he was
young and unused to grief, and he for two nights had never
slept. When he woke he was couched as aforetime, and the
bed beside was all unpressed as then.

Aglovale waited on the waking of Brose. "Take now
relief," he said, "and quit me. Your brother's blood is so
against me. If so be you will turn to serve my brother Sir
Percivale, freely I commend you one to the other, and will
myself depart."

Brose, in his heart, was dismayed, but he answered ruthless.

" That were no relief : Sir Percivale spoke foul on Bennet
He holds that he died by a braggart lie, nor excuses how he
spoke of no bad intent, weening to have been forborne on your
name."

" Brose, I cannot bury your brother's faults."

" You will not."

At that time there was long silence. Then Aglovale said,
" See you to it. Say what you need to Sir Percivale."

Though the man's heart was wretched to see the fierce
affliction he bestowed, he kept a relentless mask.

" An I said enough, Sir Percivale would slay me as he has
slain others for your worship." >. %

" God forbid ! " groaned Aglovale. His brother's blood-
guilt pressed fort and dure on his conscience.

88 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The wretched man went on. " Against the truth you have
forged your worship on my face for him to read. Lord ! for
low cheating that was a bold stroke ! "

" Ah, Brose," cried Aglovale, and as the man avoided his
eye, ashamed of that vile speech, he gripped his hand con-
fidently. " Sure am I your heart is not so base as your tongue."

Body and spirit, Brose struggled from the terrible hold and
got free. His hand bore the imprint of Aglovale's unconscious
strength. He showed it, a fellow to poor Bennet's, with a cruel
taunt.

" So me, too, you have something to teach, before ever you
pass me to serve on Sir Percivale ! "

His heart died within him to see how that blow went home.

" You do beat me with thorns, Brose, all naked," breathed
Aglovale.

" Pay me what I deserve," cried Brose, choking, " and
dismiss me ! "

But so soon as that utterance of remorse escaped him, he
saw it obverse, and thanked the powers of hell.

" Take your dues," cried Aglovale. " Bury your brother's
faults under mine. Decry me to my brother Sir Percivale, and
I will be your warrant that he shall not slay you."

Brose locked his teeth against his heart, and turned his face
to the wall, till a wicked interpretation came to his tongue.

"Ho, forsooth! he muttered, facing about, you will be
warrant that he shall not slay me ! Yea, doubtless, and will
swear to it by your sword ! " His bad conscience took home
the thing from his mouth, and almost he believed it.

The visage of Aglovale was distorted and hideous as he
gnawed his trembling lips ; for his strength was broken, with
trouble and long fast from sleep and food.

Then entered Percivale, and stood at gaze on his brother.
The hilts of his sword Aglovale took with his two hands to
hold upright.

" Speak, Brose ! " he cried.

Then the forest night swam in upon him, so charged with
the heavy scent of elder-blossom that he stifled and lost his

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 89

senses. Over him the eyes of Percivale and Brose met once,
but not one word was spoken till he came to himself. The
sound of " My lord " and " Fair brother " told him then his
hour was not yet come.

Now, as these records do not hereafter follow Percivale in
the Quest of the Grail, there may be no fitter place than this
to set down a transcript from another book, where he unlocks
his heart to his sister Saint. My most dear Master tells how
the maiden came to Galahad, Percivale, and Bors; how she
led them on the Quest and enlightened them with her strange,
high wisdom; and how she girt Galahad with the sword of
King David by a girdle of her own hair. In that place there
is mention made of three spindles, white, green, and red, as
grown from innocency, and seed-shedding, and blood-shedding.

She said, " The white betokens Sir Galahad, and the green
Sir Bors, and the red — alas, brother ! alas — the red ! "

" Ah me ! " said Percivale ; " would to God I had not this
part of the Tree of Knowledge ! Ah, sister, it is a fearful thing
to shed blood of life."

He told her all then, and together they pondered over the
symbol of sin.

" Lo ! " said Percivale, " those I had slain were not put to
silence. I heard their breath speak out of the lips of others ;
I saw their looks mock out of the eyes of others ; the life that
was gone from their bodies was but draughted to enliven fresh
matter. In every ray of light, in every gust that blew, the life
of the dead moved to confound me. Ah, Saint, the things
they had uttered were black and heavy ; I could not bear them."

" Yet, brother, had you never heard evil-speaking before,
and opposed it ? "

" Often, so often that my ears were dulled. Soon as I was
made knight, I myself, without offence, even in the fellowship
of the Round Table, was shamefully bespoken and belied.
Lightly I bore it then, seeing how Aglovale had ever borne the
like unmoved. Till Brose opened against him, and he struck
him down, whole-hearted did I love and worship, clear of
doubt."

90 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Ah, fair fool brother ! "

" He never fooled me by a word ; nor did any but through
silence, excepting Brose and Durnor. Brose lied to me
more than once, as he has since confessed. Through him I
came to think a shameful record, unfit for light, concerned
Durnor. And Durnor never denied. Once he overheard,
and in wrath laid hands on Brose, but he did not deny. Ah,
sister, his wrong charity ! After he had done with Brose, he
caught me, and held me before him awhile, eyeing me hard
with a fallen countenance. Maybe I shrank visibly, though
what had come to me was but a weak, vague shadow of the
truth. At that he was angry, and cursed and railed at me.
Then he besought me not to measure out love too nicely. I
said I would try. Then he charged me for kindness not to
bring up a brother's misdeeds before Aglovale, because he
was a hard man, who would make no excuse, who would speak
no word for loss and misfortune and sudden and fierce tempta-
tion, who would not lay right stress on true penitence, who
would mention no good deeds as against the ill. I said Agio-
vale was just. ' Be more than just,' said Durnor, ' for those
who deserve love least do need it most.' His eyes were wet.

" Ah, Durnor ! would to God I had loved you more while
you were man alive ! Sister, night and night again he haunts
my sleep, and makes his plea that was for Aglovale. With
broken speech and full eyes he asks for a little more loving
kindness, and I can reach him no answer. Oh, dear, stammer-
ing tongue, dear trustful eyes; oh, big, loyal heart, all gone
to dust !

"Aglovale was not kind to him — Aglovale, for whom he
was so forspent, who for my sake misgave and wronged him —
for my sake, as I deem.

" Sister Saint, I am all unfit for the Quest of the Holy Grail.
Strange doubts trouble me that I know not good from evil.
For lo ! Durnor was an evil liver and gross, and I my fellows
call stainless ; yet have I not to offer so golden a deed as his
generous untruth. Lo, Aglovale ! Through long years he
laboured for righteousness against a corrupted nature; and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 91

Durnor's reckless grace played free ; yet Aglovale's hard virtue
wavers in the balance. I doubt it is but vanity to keep from
evil and do right, when a word unsaid, from mere ignorance,
from mere blindness, may happen to load the heart with
remorse. And I doubt I might be a better man had I been
a more sinful."

Saint made answer, " Be not downcast, Percivale. Surely
the Devil, seeing that you win charity, does assail your faith."

CHAPTER IX

MY most dear Master tells that the Quest of Launcelot led
to Cardigan, without any mention of days or ways.
If it drew in regular circuit through the North Marches,
in all likelihood indications rife and strong beat in upon Perci-
vale; for in those regions Aglovale, during his worst years,
was well known under another name. Brose, in the day of
remorse, denied this, claiming to be sole causer of the woe
ensuing. Doubtless he played his wretched part, keeping up
his devil's game.

Now came the night at Cardigan. Percivale lay down to
sleep, but for trouble of heart he could not. A new fear
possessed him that day ; for, so strange and fierce were his
brother's looks, now fixed, now wild, that he had come to doubt
for his reason. Presently, as he lay, he heard in the quiet
of night the heavy halt paces of Aglovale pass, and return,
and die again. And again, renewing aimless roamings, they
sounded on the court below, passing to vacant chambers that
Percivale had seen to be sad with faded vestiges of a gentle
woman's occupation. Also he had seen a tomb enisled, where
upon a stone sill was carven, cubit long, the figure of a slender
lady, lying with head turned away. Aglovale had answered,
" She died by great villainy," and by the way he took hold of
his sword-hilts, and by his stern countenance, Percivale deemed
that vengeance still delayed.

Again the tread repassed, and Percivale began to drowse,
when he was aware that one entered softly.

" Who comes ? "

" A sinner named Aglovale."
92

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 93

" Wherefore, brother ? "

Aglovale stood beside him, breathing deep.

" Percivale, give me leave to lie by you. In my bed I find
no sleep."

Amazed and moved beyond measure, Percivale made room.
" I will well," he said, and lifted to embrace Aglovale as he lay
down by his side.

" You burn fevered."

" It will pass with sleep. These last nights I have found
no sleep."

Percivale sank down again choking. Aglovale, who never
in all his life had asked for his help or his affection, was come
to him in need of comfort ; of such primitive comfort as in
childhood little Saint used to seek in his bed. He breathed
benediction and lay still.

The heavy sighs of Aglovale died down to tranquil breath
as he drew remedy from the sensible presence of his beloved
brother. But Percivale drew malease, and fevered in sore
disquiet and trouble of mind. His great pity swelled against
restraint, yet the ponderous minutes loaded his diffident heart
with dread of trespass ; and with a greater dread, monstrous,
unnameable, steeped in blood of his shedding. Lord Jesu,
friend us ! he prayed inwardly. Thou who knowest his sorrow,
guide me for his comfort.

Scarcely above his breath Percivale spoke. " Brother, do
you sleep ? "

As low Aglovale answered, " No." Doubtless he knew his
hour was come.

Percivale lifted and sat with his head bowed to his knees,
and the dreadful night drifted a moment while he prayed.

" Aglovale, what is it that I do not know ? "

The dreadful night drifted a moment while Aglovale prayed.

" Me," he said. " Me, naked and loathsome."
" Ah, fair, dear brother ! " cried Percivale. " Fair, dear
brother ! "

Then said Aglovale, " I shall need your silence, Percivale,
till I be done."

94 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Doubt not me. Until you bid I will not speak," said
Percivale in faithful subjection.

Then began the shameful avowal of Aglovale. Still as
coffined clay he lay, and as from the ribs of death heaved his
voice, as in order and exactly he delivered the tale of his
iniquities from the first wild lapses of his youth through all the
secret dark passages of abominable years.

" Yet not this, and not this," he said, " has been cried
throughout the land against my worship."

That night deep beyond deep of sin opened on the sight of
maiden Percivale. So gross, so foul, so infamous a record
outpassed the measures of his simple knowledge. Rank words
and unfamiliar forced a way to his understanding, till shame of
mere hearing burnt over him, while he shivered for dread. He
knit his hands upon his mouth, and so held mute to hear.

Well did Aglovale know that he spoke to the ear of one
above measure severe and intolerant of evil. Through long
years he himself had trained and tempered his brother to this
hard excellence, and he had the heart now to endure the out-
come. He took no keep to spare Percivale or to spare himself.
Triumphant pride in his perfect work took him even in that
hour.

That telling was not brief. Misdeed and crime, in separate
shape, in dense procession, marched on the night, Aglovale
still repeating, " Not this, and not this has been cried through-
out the land against my worship." Then his published villainy
he told.

His published villainy he told most fully ; how it was made
known, he told ; how he was shamed and scorned and near
unknightly death, he told ; how he was enforced to hard penance,
he told. On the rest was silence. For a hard man he was>
who would make no excuse, who would speak no word of loss
and misfortune and sudden and fierce temptation, who would
not lay right stress on true penitence, who would mention no
good deeds as against the ill.

The dreadful night drifted awhile. Still sat Percivale,
with his head bowed to his knees, and still as coffined clay

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 95

lay Aglovale. The wretched man spoke his last to his
brother.

Brokenly he said, " Go to, Percivale ; I have done with
you. Whatsoever you have the heart to utter, ah, dear brother,
doubt not I have the heart to approve."

From Percivale came a shuddering sigh, but no word ; and
Aglovale lay quiet, without appeal.

Presently Percivale, with shaking hands, felt about his
brother's head ; he signed the damp brow with the cross, and
leaning down kissed him on the brow.

Aglovale turned upon his face, drew cover over his head,
and terrible sobs shook the bed.

Alas for such comfort ! As the saint the sinner had
Percivale kissed his head. Not so a true brother had kissed
him on the cheek, with staunch affection in the day of dis-
honour. Dead Durnor got his due : for him he wept in agony
of longing and regret after the love he had so lightly regarded
and poorly returned.

Alas for Percivale ! He had no strength to wring one
word, he had no spring for tears. The stifled sobs of Aglovale
pierced him for pity, but brought no outrush of loving 'kindness.
Memories were also knocking at his heart : of the Miserere
vigil, of midnight sobbing under Nacien, when he in tender
respect had shrunk from knowledge to tears. Further back he
remembered, how great sobs like these had answered when he
had vowed love to him disinherited. Still he sat stunned and
stricken, and could utter no word of comfort.

Aglovale expected none now. He had received token
enough to dispense with courses of speech. He had finished
with suspense. The bed shook with lengthening pauses as the
rest of sheer exhaustion took hold of his trouble. Waves of
oblivion swept his brain, and heavy with the reservation of out-
worn nights, stupendous sleep drenched his senses.

About midnight Percivale was aware of pale light in the
chamber at the rising of a waning moon, and he prayed for
thick darkness to keep his face awhile from his brother's eyes.
And then he perceived how sleep prevented. Quick and hard

96 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

then worked his breath. He withdrew himself softly from his
bed-fellow and stood out upon the floor. Scarcely could he
keep upright, for he was weak and dizzy as one first rising after
wounds. Within the window lay pieces of his harness, lighted
to silver. These and his sword he essayed to take, but forbore,
lest under his shaking hands the metal should clash to waken
the sleeper.

Profound was the slumber of Aglovale. Percivale kneeled
down by his bedside, and piteously he besought Heaven's
pardon and keep for that grievous sinner. Down the pillow
stole patches of wan light, played from the surface of his shield ;
a lax hand showed, and then the dreadful mask half prone.
In every line and hollow the imprint of evil was legible at last
to eyes that before had spelled in vain on mystery. Percivale
rose and went out soft-foot, with never a backward look.

Brose was sleeping by the door of his master's vacant
chamber. He started up at a touch, and all bedazzled he
heard bewildered the voice of Percivale.

" Rise and make ready, Brose, for you and I will ride away
secretly."

Then he saw the face of Percivale, and his heart stood still.
" He knows, and my master is undone."

Once before he had looked on such a face. One dawn,
long years ago, a young damsel crept forth from Sir Aglovale's
bed to find one sweeter ; and he stood and let her pass un-
hindered, so daunting was the sight of her stricken countenance
as straight she went to her last bed.

Now, in remorse, Brose recognized the outcome of his own
accursed game of betrayal, and knew not what to do to stay
the cruel mischief. He dared not hinder Sir Percivale, he
dared not let him go. He stammered for excuse.

"Sir, I would full fain ride with you where you would
have me; but, an my lord your brother take me, he will
slay me."

Percivale nodded curtly. " As for that, care not," he said,
" for I shall be your warrant."

Like a doomed man Brose went, daring not to speak one

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 97

word of all that ached in his heart. As Percivale bade, he
brought him his brother's harness and armed him, and brought
him his brother's horse, with muffled hoofs, to the gate. On
high, as for protest, the dumb beast neighed to the echoing
court. Yet sleep held.

So was Aglovale forsaken.

H

CHAPTER X

DAY came and day wore over Percivale and Brose, and
still they came to no remedy of speech. Percivale
pursued the south road according to the afore-made
order of their circuit through Galis. He made no haste and
no delay ; he did not neglect his bounden Quest. After noon,
as my Master tells, he came to a bridge of stone, where he
found a good knight, Sir Persides, fast chained to a pillar by
the malice of a lewd lady ; and knightly he freed him and his
servants, and went on with him to his castle. Brose maddened
at the sight of him, as there in noble courtesy he sat out the
feast. For his part he drank hard out of pure misery, fell to
quarrels and brawls and insolence, and so came to hard stone
lodging for the night on Sir Percivale's request.

Sobered and sorry, on the morn he came to himself. Cold
and stern Sir Percivale scanned him and ordered him ; and he
did not dare to be free with the question that lay on his
anxious heart. Sir Aglovale's horse, with quick jutting ears
and large attentive eyes, snuffing unsatisfied, did better in his
dumb language. Sir Percivale mounted ; Sir Persides mounted
also, and Brose saw that he made to go by the north road.
Alas, alas ! Sir Percivale was set otherwise. He said farewell ;
he gave a charge.

" Tell the King," said he, " how you met with me ; and tell
my brother Sir Aglovale how I rescued you ; and bid him not
to seek after me, for I am in the Quest to seek Sir Launcelot
du Lake. And though he seek me he shall not find me. And
tell him I will never see him nor the court till I have found
Sir Launcelot."

98

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 99

Brose heard it, and he could not speak. The steady, de-
liberate tones fell to his ear like sods on a coffin.

Percivale spoke again. He, hitherto so meek, cast scorn
for scorn as he charged Sir Persides with words to Sir Mordred
and Sir Kay.

" Tell them that I trust to God to be of as great worthiness
as either of them. For tell them I shall never forget their
mocks and scorns. And tell them I will never see that court
till men shall speak more worship of me than ever men did
of any of them both."

Then they departed this way and that. The horse under
Percivale tossed his crest and whinnied after his kind. Brose
went after him a hang-dog figure, dismayed.

Never did Brose quite forgive Sir Percivale for that un-
happy message. For miles he rode silent, chewing over the
stuff of it, ready to hate Sir Percivale, who could ride on
leisurely with his head straight and high, while along the north
road went forth, haply to break upon Sir Aglovale that day,
a message so cruelly poor, and cold, and forbidding.

Alas for Percivale ! His heart was still stunned and
amazed; he had not come to himself, and well he knew it.
Yet the brother in him was quick and loyal enough to defend
the face of Aglovale against the world. Not openly could he
plead his great distress, entreat for a further relief of time
between them, point to a patient hope, admonish to the Quest,
and advise to a separate way. Haply so much might break
upon Aglovale through such wording as was fit and fair to be
delivered by the mouth of a stranger and for any to hear.
And all the brother in him spoke out against Kay and Mordred ;
for now he knew how he had been mocked and disparaged by
virtue of his blind love and worship of Aglovale; now he
understood King Arthur's hinting that he should remove from
Aglovale. Opened were his eyes, and here he went from
Aglovale ! For he was not himself; for he belied himself,
and he knew it. Troubled, indignant, distracted, he launched
high word to relieve his sore and ineffectual heart.

Percivale turned off the roadway up a fair green swell, and

100 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

drew rein beside a welling spring, and a knot of pine trees
that stood about a shrine. There he went, and kneeled and
prayed devoutly; there too went Brose, and kneeled behind
and prayed some curses. And all silently they stood up both
and turned to their beasts.

Then said Brose desperately, " Sir, give me leave to speak
and be gone."

" If you cannot abide restraint, so be it," said Percivale,
far out from his meaning.

" It is more than I can bear. Consider, sir, how I served
your brother Sir Aglovale, long before you put out your child-
hands and swore him love upon these very hilts you now
hold."

Percivale stood and considered hard; then he answered
with constraint.

" Brose, I was loth, on account of past service ; but I can-
not allow your presumption that therefore you may riot like
a rascal knave in spite of my head."

Cried Brose with a great oath, " Is naught on your mind
but a bit of drunken folly ? " He stammered passionately, " And
think you your mighty rigour and displeasure stick in my guts ?
My lord Sir Aglovale, in old days, would put me to cool in
the moat for no more, but he would not glower on me the
morn after."

" If you be not again drunk, Brose, consider how he would
deal, put case you answered him as now you answer me. Have
you forgot his lesson writ upon that scarred cheek of yours ? "

Brose put up his hand, and gasped painfully. Percivale,
not from unkindness, turned away, and stooped over the spring.
He washed the dust from his eyes, and sat waiting patiently.
Brose marked on him then the wear of a sleepless night.

" Be so good as to pass over what I have mis-said, for pity,
sir, and as I will not to offend."

" I will well."

"Sir, can I speak except you question?" said Brose,
faltering.

" I have naught to ask."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 101

" Then what is your need of me ? "

" I need you not."

" In the name of God, then, why did you bid me leave my
master to ride with you ? "

" For cause — you came. Let be on that matter — we had
one mind — it was expedient."

" Now I swear we had not ! Why, why ? No, I cannot
hold my peace. Oh, sir, tell me in plain words."

" As you said, lest he should slay you."

His face was colourless and hard as marble; his wide,
steady eyes stared down the man.

" I go back ! " sprang sharp from Brose.

" Why did you come ? "

Brose gave no answer, but after a silence he said, " So this
damned tongue did set you on ? "

Percivale bowed his head, loth to admit understanding
with the man.

" Yet you would take me out of my lord's hands ? "

" I would keep my brother's hands from off you."

" Why ? I betrayed — I wanted his hate — that I might hate
him as I wanted. Now I want no keep from his hate."

" Why did you come ? "

" Sir, to give you such knowledge as you should be fain
to have of my lord's past doings."

Cried Percivale, " Dare you to think I would against my
brother question his servant ? "

" Hear me you shall ! For I would stake my life my lord
Sir Aglovale has not told all the truth."

" This to me ! Of him ! Tempt me further, and by my
head I will have you bite out that accursed tongue with your
own teeth before you shall go hence alive."

Brose flushed darkly • it tried him hard to stand tame to
such threatening. He clenched his hands, he ground his heels
into the turf, he swallowed. And he kept his tongue to good
effect. When he spoke at last, Percivale was aware that the
man he had put down had risen to a higher level of address.

" Doomsday telling, Sir Percivale, may rub you more than

102 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

mine now," said Brose. " Let be reckoning by brother and
master — a human soul concerns us — one in mortal pains —
stressed cruel hard — by my means — and by yours. Respect
of person is out of sight ; he has me by the heart — as I doubt
he has not you."

Percivale gave no word nor sign, and Brose went on,
"Once we were chained at one oar, he and I, equals in
misery; yet I gave him worship then, for he never made any
moan. He asked for no pity, and he gave none. He refused
ransoming, and his name ; and, as I know, he refused lest
his house should suffer scorn through his name. Did he for
himself say that ? I warrant you have heard plenty that was
criminal and shameful to his account, and nothing more. Not
from him would you hear the best of him : of his bearing, his
daring, the wits, the heart, the hand that engaged against great
odds and delivered us all. I say he has not told you all the
truth— not the half you ought to hear. And I can tell it — I,
and none other so well. And I will. Once he said, ' Speak,
Brose ! ' You heard him say it ; and speak I will."

Said Percivale, still with a. rigid countenance, " I will be
plain with you, Brose, as man to man. I have tasted know-
ledge that is very bitter, and all distempered I know not how
to sain me ; I pray God to show. Your help I cannot use ;
I know you a liar."

" How have I lied ? " stammered Brose.

"You slandered Sir Durnor to me. For Sir Aglovale's
sake you did it. How can I take your word ! "

Brose was confounded ; he could offer no excuse that would
not tell against him in the ears of Sir Percivale, who with his
sincerity and virtue had the hard uncompromising judgment
of youth, and from his high standing condemned, with no
indulgence to the weakness and errors of human nature en-
snared through good affections. Here was he rigid, resolving
to be just and patient, condescending to hear the man out in
tolerant silence, all unconscious that the heart of tolerance was
not in him. Brose quite hated him at that moment. He felt
the wrong that the wicked endure of the righteous, and could

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 103

not utter it. Impotent, despairing, he launched out into reck-
less defiance.

" Fain as you are, Sir Percivale, to be rid of me, I warrant
I am more fain to avoid you; for I do not quite love you,
Sir Percivale. Cursed be the day when my lord took you in
his hands to make a man of you. In my heart I deemed you
not worth the pains he took ; and so you prove. May God
and the saints have joy of you ! who mount clean to your
place of worship, and would kick down him who shouldered
you up fairly, because once he trod muck to the neck, and to
you stinks of it yet."

Sir Percivale stiffened to hear ; and, unchecked, Brose took
no keep, crowded on his offence, said his worst with all his
voice till he was hoarse. When his words gave out at last,
Percivale stood up, spoke, and with one sentence Brose was
daunted and beaten.

" I do thank you, Brose, with all my heart," he said. His
face was set hard, but his voice was quite broken.

" Verily you are his brother ! " said Brose, low ; and again,
when Percivale was mounted, he held on to the stirrup, looked
up into his face, and said with strong entreaty, " Oh, sir, you
are his brother ! "

Though he got no answer, suspense swelled into hope,
for following he was not bidden away, as Percivale rode at
a soft pace down the slope, and at the roadway halted. Brose
behind him quivered expectant. Alas ! he crossed himself and
turned away south.

Brose yelled a curse, headed north, and parted at a great
gallop. But, as one backward glance he gave, he saw Sir
Percivale swing forward and drop to earth like a log. And
so he could not go ; and the woman in man tricked him of his
anger as he moved the helpless weight, and looked upon the
pale visage smooth and fair. Sir Percivale was scarcely more
than a boy in years, and his trouble was of a measure beyond
common ado.

He came to himself, and found the man beside him, careful,
dutiful, silent.

104 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" As God knows," he said, " I do need you, Brose. Abide
with me, and hate me as well as you will. I will take keep
of you ungrudging."

" Sir," muttered Brose, confounded, " there is one I hate
more than you, and he may well abide with you."

CHAPTER XI

'""in HE waking of Aglovale was to such quietude of spirit as
befalls in the interval between the rack and the scaffold.
To God he rendered thanks that his trial was past, and
passive he leaned his heart to the coming pain of meeting his
brother under the light of day. The arms of Percivale played
upon him gleams from the well-risen sun, and though the place
beside him was void and cold he took no dread. And though
Brose came not at call he took no dread. All unprepared he
went along and entered his own vacant chamber, taking no
dread.

Lo ! a blank. Sword and harness gone. He was forsaken.
Percivale despised him and forsook him.

An hour later Aglovale crept away feebly, and hugging from
wall to wall came to the place where Gilleis had died. And
while the sun went round he kneeled in a ghostly presence,
her gentle head turned away to eternal silence from his great
villainy ; yet he cried to God that his punishment was more
than he could bear.

Retainers, who had spied and listened in vain, forced the
door and found him tranced and rigid. They fetched to him
one reputed a holy man and a good leach, who exorcised and
bled him, and brought him to his senses ; and then he warned
him that he lived in deadly sin to come to such a pass, and
warned him against meat and wine, and namely warned him
against hardness of heart. Then he departed.

Aglovale had the arms of Percivale brought to him there.
Once again alone to the ghostly presence of Gilleis, he took

105

106 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

his brother's sword, set the pommel between his feet, and felt
the point with his hands. Cried a voice that was his own, " Ah,
low cheat, low cheat ! " and he dropped the point hastily and
lifted up the cross of the hilts. Then bewildered, he was ware
of another ghostly presence, the boy Bennet with his wounded
arm and bruised fingers. " Be content, Bennet; for your sake
Brose has wrung me hard and left me now." That presence
faded out. "Oh, Durnor, would to God I had loved you
more while you were man alive. Now would I walk the
world barefoot but once to hold the living hand that now
is dust." That channel for tears refilled and flushed his
cloudy brain.

He looked forth upon the hollow sky, the rim of the world,
closed behind the pair who had forsaken kindness. He went
forth, taking to him without speculation the harness, the sword
and the horse Favel that Percivale had left for a pledge ; and
he wandered he cared not where, forsaking faith, honour, and
the Quest of Launcelot.

After many days he came by chance to a market-cross that
he remembered, and envisaged his old self, who there had
stood shamed in vain expiation; and he wondered how he
could have found penance so unspeakably bitter while his
brother Durnor and his man Brose held to him with love and
devotion unstinted. Thence from cross to cross he carried his
broken heart, summing up despair along the way to Camelot.

He was seen and known one hazy morn, hoving solitary
in a certain meadow beside Camelot ; and Arthur, hearing of
him, sent Sir Kay instantly to summon him. Then he required
of him tidings of Sir Launcelot.

" Alas ! sir, I have found none."

" How now, Sir Aglovale, since you bring no tidings, why
come you here again ? "

At that Aglovale stood speechless; and when the King
asked further: had he forsaken his Quest faithless and fore
sworn ? he smote down his head without excuse.

There looked the indignant Queen, and there Sir Mordred
smiled despiteful, while Arthur spoke in cold anger.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 107

" You, Sir Aglovale, who owe more to Sir Launcelot than
does any man, give account of why you stand here without him,
or any tidings of him."

Aglovale looked up and down. Came a sense of naked-
ness as cover of sounds drifted off; for the face of Arthur
made silence. The tread of a knight entering struck hard at
his back. One came and saluted the King in the name of
Sir Percivale. Aglovale turned agape.

Said Arthur, " In good time, Sir Persides, come you to
speak of Sir Percivale, for he beside you is his brother, Sir
Aglovale."

"Sooth in good time," said Persides; "for Sir Percivale
has charged me with a message that is mainly to Sir Aglovale."

He told all how Percivale had loosed him from the chain,
and delivered his servants, and reproved the lewd lady. Then
he gave out that unhappy message.

" Sir Percivale bids you not to seek after him, for he is in
the Quest to seek Sir Launcelot. Though you seek him, he
says, you shall not find him, and he will never see you nor the
court till he has found Sir Launcelot."

So came the message home to him who, despairing, had
forsaken faith, honour, and the Quest of Launcelot ; and those
that listened considered it fit and fair enough, and approved
Sir Percivale.

"Well, well," said Arthur.

Aglovale lifted up his hands and turned about once, as a
man that is hanged lifts his hands and turns on the cord.
He cried against his brother: "He departed from me un-
kindly."

The hardest man there present was a little moved for the
sound of the words. The first to speak was Sir Persides,
scarcely understanding what he witnessed.

"Sir, on my life he shall prove a noble knight as any
now living," he said. " And ye, Sir Kay and Sir Mordred,
my fair lords both," he said, "Sir Percivale greets you well
both, and sends you word by me that he trusts to God or ever
he come to the court again to be of as great nobleness as

108 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

ever were you both, and more men to speak of his nobleness
than ever they did you."

" It may well be," answered Kay, bluntly, " but at that
time he was made knight he was full unlikely to prove a good
knight."

Then said Arthur, wording slow, "As for that he must
needs prove a good knight, for his father and his brethren,"
said Arthur, " were noble knights," said Arthur.

Without anger, without compassion, he spoke, eyeing Sir
Aglovale as though he were not there. One word more he
gave, when Queen Guenever leaned across and spoke low at
his ear.

" Sir Aglovale is dead — dead," said Arthur, heavily. " Well,
well, I say he is dead to knighthood."

So came to an end Aglovale's vain hope of redeeming his
name knightly. By the way he came he departed from
Camelot hastily, and went to the cover of living death.

Meanwhile, through the longest days that ever he breathed,
Brose followed Sir Percivale on the Quest of Launcelot.
Hither and thither, forsaking all forecast order, they wandered
as do the winds. " As God shall lead," said Percivale.

Day after day Brose would say his best to show forth his
master as he knew and loved him ; he would urge excuses for
him even at his worst ; he would give many particulars, garb-
ling as he thought fit ; he would add lamentable intercession.
And he would swallow back curses, and keep down the passion
and complaint kicking at his throat, as day after day Sir
Percivale suffered him patiently, and spoke gently again, and
gave him never one warm word from the heart. Night after
night, when Brose snored at his feet, Percivale would rise
shuddering, and go apart to pray clear of the man, whose rude
touch tried him almost beyond endurance, who could offer no
truth from his full heart that was not coloured by his own
coarse nature and dark conscience.

" As God shall lead," said Percivale ; and it came to pass
that one day Brose said, " Look you, sir, where God has led
you."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 109

Percivale looked about him and knew the place. They
were come to the Forest Cross-roads. The elder-blossom was
brown and shed, but the scent of it came back to him ; he saw
moonlight then at noon ; he heard the squeak of night in the
piping of day ; all the sunny place was steeped with the dark
of sorrow.

Suddenly Percivale came to himself. Brose beheld him
with gloomy satisfaction as tears rained down his face. No
pleadings of his had ever moved him to a tear, but now it was
good to see how he wept. On Brose, too, the night came back
strong with remorse for the wicked mischief he had done. He
held quiet awhile, watching Sir Percivale and cursing him-
self. At last he came close and said, " Sir, you need me no
longer."

" Leave me. Go ! " said Sir Percivale, astray.

Brose wheeled and faced him. " I mean going ; for I see
that you need me no longer now," he said, his hard eyes fixed
against the tear-stained visage.

" Ah, friend ! " cried Percivale, understanding him then.

The man's face stiffened. " God knows I have done my
best. Sir, I have told you only truth."

" Friend," said Sir Percivale again, " that I do believe,"
and he offered his hand.

Brose backed. " If I be dead, remember me some day to
my lord Sir Aglovale ; say how it was at your bidding I left
him, and but to serve him ; say how I have served you for his
sake. For I dread to be slain at sight, and I would he should
know."

"Bear with me, Brose, and abide. I would keep you
according to my word."

"Sir, I go to seek my master. Take or leave me as
you will."

Said Percivale, his voice broken with grief, "Would to
God I were fit and free."

" Look you, sir, and consider this place well. I, too, was
here that night, when you lay there, and there Sir Aglovale
stood. The Devil was at me then to come out and tell you,

110 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

there before his face, what he was looking upon there in the
white night. I tell you now. In this very place he saw one
come driving his prisoners; he saw one bound, wounded,
carried away to a miserable end ; he saw one turn from rescue
and go to ruin the only hope of his fellow who trusted him.
Look you, that was shameful, pitiful, villainous ! It was ! "

Percivale, with wide, tranced eyes, was watching the face
of Brose as he spoke ; like a child he was giving himself to
hear and understand.

" He saw that looking back : the shame, the pity, the villainy
of it, looking back. You and I have not so far to look back to
see such a sight.

" Lo ! " cried Brose, lifting hands and voice. " Lo ! my
master and your brother bound for misery. Lo ! I his servant,
that drove and struck him. Lo ! you his brother, his hope,
that forsook his rescue. Face of God, these go for to outdo
those!"

He spoke in vain. Percivale, indeed, rocked and bowed
before the rude force of the man, but in the end he lifted his
head and returned answer.

" By the face of God, I know I am not fit nor free."

In chagrin and disgust Brose turned his horse, and without
another word passed away, never looking back. Percivale
neither stirred nor spoke, watching him out of hearing and
sight. So they ended.

Alone in the brimming woodland, Percivale lighted down,
and kneeling at his brother's station, wept like a lost child.
" Ah, God, be Thou my light that I may go right."

Years before, to Nacien, Percivale in boyhood had told his
pitiful doubt of heart. " I would eschew both love and fear,"
said the boy. " I have no guide ..." The good man had
given him counsel of perfection — beyond him then, beyond
him still. He came to better understanding in the Quest of
the Grail, with Galahad and Bors, and with Saint his sister,
best of all to teach him charity.

" The Devil," said Saint, " seeing you win charity, does assail
your faith." And Percivale remembered how it was so when,

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 111

after fifteen days of torpor, his heart woke again in the forest
haunt to love for his brother, when almost it seemed right to
him to go wrong, to forsake faith, honour, and the Quest of
Launcelot, and turn again to Aglovale.

He told her all thus far ; and she, regarding him with clear
eyes, knew him by heart: his deep contrition, his perfect
surrender of self-will, his pure worship foregoing the subtle
temptation to assume as a prime duty the righting of his own
error, his constancy and truth that kept him from the deceit of
arrogance in the guise of humility. For he and she were fast
united in the rare and wonderful love and understanding of a
pigeon pair.

Brother and sister bowed close as Percivale spoke low for
the telling of a great mystery : how first he saw the Holy Grail,
and knew not what he saw.

He told how right so at the Forest Cross-roads Sir Ector
came upon him, and from that noon to sundown fought him
deadly hard. And when both were sore wounded past earthly
remedy, lo ! traversing that haunt of woe, a shining and a
breath of sweetness passed,; and whole without a scar, he and
his fellow stood up from the bloody dust in a world a-bloom.

" Sir Ector could not see ; and I, I know not what I saw.
I was aware of a brightness moving : even against the sun it
shone bright; and against white bloom I was aware of a
maiden in white moving : yea, for the elder-bloom was fresh
renewed ! And her I thought to be that dumb maid who was
dead; and then again, I thought, — O sister Saint, I thought
her you ! "

She began to tremble, and her eyes were tranced and light.

" Sister Saint," whispered Percivale, " was it you ? "

" I know not, brother. It was not I in the body."

Aright she named day and hour, and told how at that time
she was taken for dead by her sisters.

" Ah, Percivale, even to you I scarce know how to tell the
mystery. I deemed that in the spirit I had seen the Holy
Grail, that it slid and touched my breast between my hands.
And with the double sense of a dream, meseemed that earthly

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

life was the dark womb wherein we grew together, and our
quickening was upon us, you and me together, as it was at the
beginning before we were born.

" And thenceforward," said Saint, " come thoughts strange
and simple like half-remembered dreams; and in the fear of
God I speak, lest I do dishonour to a gift of prophecy. Then
also I left worldly life and vanity ; and I clipped off that my
glory of hair, and wrought of it a girdle in prayer and vigil,
with faith that to me was ordained some service when the
Holy Quest should come to be fulfilled."

That crowning grace of charity, lacking in Percivale, had
ever shown excellent in Saint. In the end she gave away her
life in pure charity.

" Madam, for God's love pray for me ! " was her meek call
on the miserable creature for whose remedy she, the last of a
hundred slaughtered virgins, offered a dishful of blood that
drained away life from her generous heart.

So in the body she led Percivale no further in the Quest of
the Grail.

CHAPTER XII

NOW from straying, this tale turns back to go with
Brose.

Casting to and fro through Galis, he came upon
tidings of his master, and traced him towards Camelot, till
meeting with Sir Persides he learned enough to turn him again
distracted. To Nacien the Hermit he sought in vain, and to
Sir Hermind, and, come to Cardiff, heard how the Queen was
dead. He had wit to consider that if Sir Aglovale knew, her
tomb would draw him ; so he prayed Sir Hermind to have a
watch set about the place against his coming secretly.

As Brose was passing the sacred walls where in the chancel
the Queen was buried, pelting weather beat from the north-east,
and the windows were ardent for Benediction, so that he was
minded to enter. Against the north wall stood a leper in the
wet, with bell and bowl and cloth, his covered face turned to
the strait window that is called the leper's squint. Brose
barely glanced on him as he went by ; but when, having made
an end of staring within and of his poor devotions, he departed,
the leper he noticed again for pity. The man kneeled, in-
effectually sheltered by the pent above ; his frieze clothing hung
on him drenched and heavy, his bowl on the rain-washed slabs
beside him held a puddle of water. Brose cried " Ho ! " twice,
and the leper lifted his head and turned towards him the two
great eyelet-holes of his headcloth.

" Poor devil ! " said Brose, as from his distance he spun a
silver piece that plashed to its mark in the bowl.

The leper neither took up the alms nor blessed the giver,
i 113

114 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

but with monstrous eyes regarded him as he swung on his
way.

From Cardiff, Brose turned west along the coast, for he
deemed that Sir Aglovale might have taken to the seas as
before. At Milford Haven he lighted on a false clue, so that
he crossed the channel to Ireland, and after a bootless search
returned disheartened to Cardigan at a snowy time.

It happened that as Brose came up to the bridge of
Cardigan, which was narrow and a little steep, he heard the
tinkling of a bell shrill in the frosty air, and saw a tall leper
making up on the further side. " Now," said Brose to himself,
churlish, " if he turn he may come on, but if he come on he
shall turn." The bridge was of such a width that he was but
just within his rights to enforce on the unclean his obligation
to turn back before any he met in a strait way. To the crown
of the bridge the leper came, and stood still as Brose neared.
He did not shake his bell nor lift his cry, " Unclean ! " and he
did not turn, but made way quickly, pressing close against the
coping.

" Way, there ! " called Brose, setting to his curst game.
" Way there, fitchew !" he repeated.

Up went his cudgel threatening, and as the leper only
shrank flatter against the stones, he strode forward and dropped
it smartly on his skull. His choler rose, so obstinately the
man stood.

" I will learn you," he cried truculently, " to take heed of
where you bring your filthy carcase ! " and set to with tongue
and arm; nor would he stay when the leper turned about
without a word to plod back the way he came.

Heated into brutality, Brose drove him, with blows and
abuse, clear off the bridge and into a roadside drift. He
laughed when he looked back, so grotesque was the figure
he left, up to the middle in snow, stockstill, with dark eyelet-
holes watching him away.

From the castle of Cardigan, Brose took horse again, and
turned into Northgalis. Sir Aglovale there was greatly hated,
so that he had an evil time and perils for his sake. Passing

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 115

thence through the Waste Lands he came at last to that Priory
where Bennet was buried. There he saw Favel, and the
harness and sword of Sir Percivale, and was shocked to think
that his master had left the world for a religious life. To this
the Prior gave denial. Months ago, he said, Sir Aglovale had
come and gone, he knew not why nor where. But he would
answer no further, saying he must keep Sir Agio vale's counsel.
Brose entreated and raged in vain; then in his violence he laid
hold of the Prior, whereat the brethren ran and fell upon him
together, and thrust him out of door.

He fell into sullen dejection when he had ridden off his
rage. Suddenly, as a bolt'from the clouds, enlightenment blazed.
He remembered the leper of Cardiff, and the leper of Cardigan,
and knew him.

" Oh, my God, my God ! " jabbered the miserable man,
and writhed and sweated as the dreadful truth in all its bearings
took hold of him. He protested frantically against conviction :
" But I drubbed him — but I drubbed him ! " Yet memory
testified against him that the leper went halt before him through
the snow. " My lord, my lord ! " howled Brose ; and he beat
on stocks and stones the headpiece that had served so ill, till
confusion came, and crying out against an impostor, he laughed.
Like a new shock came the rush of truth, and he went the
round again.

It was impossible : it was certain. The injured master he
sought after in mortal dread had let him pass without a sign ;
had taken the ignominy of blows rather than grant him one
word.

" Do I deserve such dealing ? " cried Brose. " Killing
were more human and just. Oh, my lord, how had you the
heart ! Ah, your poor body ! Ah, your poor servant ! "

A year had yet to run before the fatal end. To retrieve
his error Brose did all that man could do ; he took no keep
nor rest, and swore that he would not till he was dead or
reconciled. Horrible was his task. Among the human dregs
of vice and misery he sought his master, dreading to find him
a leper in flesh as well as in clothing. In lazar-cotes and pales

116 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

he took lodging. Little fellowship had he but with lepers :
creatures so wretched and degraded that they lied and cheated,
and misguided for pure spite one who came among them whole,
clean, uncovered.

Only once did Brose meet certain proof that tidings of his
master were more than loose figments. He was sent to a tall
leper who mimicked Sir Aglovale's gait and movements so
closely that for a moment he was deceived. Shaking like one
in an ague he stood forward, and hardly could he force a
whisper, " My lord, is it you ? " The answer came in the
tones of Sir Aglovale, but the matter was leprous and abomin-
able. Brose snatched away the headcloth, and saw a rotten
mask with eyes fishy-blue. A ring of lepers made merry at
this trick.

" Foul beast ! " he yelled, and laid the cheat Sailings with
a hearty cuff.

Quick as a cat the man sprang up and closed. The stink
and the touch of him were too much for Brose ; he wrestled
free, turned tail and ran, the leper at his heels, and the rest
behind, cheering in pursuit. He took to the water, swam the
Severn, and so escaped from their pale. The merry lepers
gathered on the brink, and watched the queasy man with
antics and laughter.

When another winter was past, and elms were ruddy and
quick, still at his search went Brose unflagging. Through pest-
close, spital, and lazar-cote he had passed untainted for so long
that he ceased to dread the risks he ran. Yet when one day
his knees failed him suddenly, at that first warning of danger
his heart also failed him suddenly, and he made sure he was
stricken for death. He headed for the place where he would
be buried, and rode as it were a race.

He was at the end of his powers when he knocked at the
Priory gate. He asked for the Prior, and the good man came
out austere to question him of his need.

" Of your charity give me a grave by my brother Bennet,
and a word for me to my lord Sir Aglovale, if ever he come,
and a truss of hay to die on."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 117

Sense forsook Brose when he had said this, but on return
he was aware of more kindness offered than he had pre-
sumed to ask. With his ill-behaviour to the Prior on his
mind, he muttered, " Let be. I can die well enough without
more help."

At this the Prior was amazed and grieved, holding him a
miscreant rejecting ministration to his soul. Nevertheless he
did not withdraw benevolence. In a little loft he had the sick
man laid, bedded with a blanket of scarlet, a truss of sweet
clover hay, and a pillow of hops ; and he appointed one to tend
him, and himself gathered simples and mixed drinks, for he
was a good, hard Christian.

But of that fever Brose was not to die ; and after eight weeks
he was on a fair way to recover. A mere skeleton, weak as a
babe he lay, renewing the use of sense before the powers of
thought were able. Pleasant was the scent of pines, blowing
through the open shutters, and the sound of April rains, and
the sight of sky, tree, wooing pigeon. Once every day the
good Prior climbed up by ladder and trap to fulfil his duty, and
broke that pleasant dream of sweet spring with his admonitions
and rebukes. Brose would sigh in relief when he ceased and
went, feeling the gratitude he owed a weary load ; while the
Prior would sigh and pray for that poor soul, so wanting in all
signs of grace.

Came the last day. Brose slept. In his dreams he heard,
as often, the sound of uneven paces coming to his bed. " Ah,
my lord," he muttered in his sleep. Who then fetched a
painful breath? Brose started up awake. There in leper's
habit, stood he motionless, monstrous-eyed, holding the tongue
of his bell. Rigid with terror, Brose gazed a moment. Alas,
alas ! Guilty fear and shame were stronger than love ; he cast
up his hands, named him gasping, cowered back upon his
pillow, and buried his face.

The thick drumming of his poor heart covered the sound
of retreating feet ; but he heard the fall of the trap. Too late
he lifted up a feeble, frantic cry. Naked from the bed he
started, fell down, crawled on his knees along the floor to the

118 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

trap. That he could not raise. " My lord, my lord ! " he
wailed, and beat above the exit with all the strength of his
weak hands. None heard to answer. He held, listening.
Only rain sounded on the roof. He beat and listened, and
called and beat again.

There was a shuttered gap in the wall for storage to the
loft, and presently through the chink came up the little waft of
sound : the ringing of that leper's bell at a distance, coming
near and nearer below. Brose staggered up to his feet,
snatched back the hasp, and tugged desperately. The shutter
swung slowly in. He stood on the sill. The green world
rushed against him, silvered with slants of rain; quick and
clear tinkled the bell, and there strode he the leper, already
past.

" My lord Sir Aglovale ! " with all his voice cried Brose.

He made no sign of hearing. With head bowed against
the rain he went on at unaltered speed. " My lord, my lord !"
He was past the reach of that broken wail. Brose flung up his
arms in despair. Oh, cast body — cast soul !

Sir Aglovale was out of hearing then ; but he saw a young
server, scudding to shelter, halt and jerk up his hands. His
heart caught dreadfully as he turned to look behind. There
was cause. At the foot of the wall he had passed lay a heap
that was human.

Aglovale lifted the poor naked body from the stones,
knowing well enough that he was answerable. Though life
was not out, hopeless injury was visible on the staring frame.
Such skin and bone was light enough to bear, yet gentlest
handling fetched moans of pain so grievous that Aglovale
was constrained to lay his burden down on the nearest turf,
where an elder-tree gave a little shelter from the fleet rain-
shower. Hood and gown he stripped off, turned them, and
spread them on the moist ground ; he took off also the harsh
hair that was his shirt. The young server looked on in
trembling horror ; then he came to his aid, and between them
carefully they put the dying man to lie dry. The lad pulled
off his gown too, and covered him, and hung up the cilice

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 119

against the weather ; while Aglovale sat himself down and raised
his head upon his knee.

" Go in and bid here a priest in all haste to give housel-
ling."

" Sir," stammered the lad, " oh, sir, I saw — I doubt if that
may be."

" Begone and obey ! " said Aglovale so fiercely that he went
without more words.

Brose ceased from moans at the sound of his master's
voice ; his eyelids moved a little ; there was a break of breath.
Aglovale laid his hand over the heart and listened. Quietly it
resumed, and Brose clasped both hands fast about his wrist
and looked up for his face. He was quite satisfied. Once or
twice a low grunt broke, compound of laugh and sob, wringing
the hearer's heart.

Came a feeble whisper, " My dear lord, speak to your
sorry servant."

Brokenly Aglovale answered, " Brose, my dear servant,
your sorry master ! Jesu Christ show mercy on us both."

" Lift me, my lord, that I may better see you."

Aglovale shifted him up a little, back against his knees.
The death-dew stood thick on the man's brow, and the brow
of his master was as wet with anguish.

Closely Brose scanned the face, blanched pallid as his own,
and the unclothed body.

" Clean," he said, " quite clean."

He put out his hands, stroked and felt over the hard, lean
flesh, sinewy arms, chest, ribs ; he touched upon the old wound,
open. "Ah me, unhealed!" he muttered pitiful, eyeing the
stain on his fingers.

" Friend, friend ! " said Aglovale in his pains. " Dig in
deeper and have out my heart at once, to know, as God does
know, its grief. Oh, pardon, Brose ! I knew not what I did."

" Nor did I." The first tears that Aglovale had ever seen
stood in his hard eyes. " Nor did I. How I did drub you,
not knowing ! My lord, I got worse aches than I gave. Ah,
but you were hard ! "

120 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The Prior, with the lad and others, was coming ; as fast he
came as he could walk with reverence for That he carried in
his hands.

" Forgive me all, Brose, for the love and fear of Jesu God,
and make you ready to receive your Saviour."

A spasm crossed the countenance of Brose; his jaw fell
slack, his eyes dilated and rested upon his master in a sombre,
inscrutable stare.

Aglovale called on high, " Haste, oh slugs, haste ! " and
turned again to wipe off sweat and tears. " Mercy ! what
pain ! "

" No," whispered Brose. " So little now."
Then came the Prior, breathless, and beheld those two
dreadful men, with naked bodies, holding each other, with faces
drawn in anguish at gaze on each other. He put the pyx into
other hands, and fell on his knees.

" Repent, wretched sinner ! It is not too late, even now.
The mercies of God are very wide. Confess and be sorry for
your sins, and though the deadliest, even that may be forgiven
you."

Brose never shifted his eyes. The film of death was in
them, and over his face spread the subtle change that never
lifts. Yet for some minutes he breathed gently : great minutes,
full crammed by the Prior with pious entreaties, that the dying
man heard as they were falling rain. His lips moved, and all
hushed to hear.

" My lord, kiss of peace."

He smiled faintly as Aglovale leaned forward, breast to breast,
and kissed him. His hands tightened their hold with an effort,
then fell loose. His head dropped forward on his master's
shoulder with a little chuckle of content. No beat nor breath
could Aglovale feel stir in the ribs against him.
" God receive his soul to rest."

None said Amen. The Prior stood up trembling, and he
and his company looked on each other with white, horrified
faces ; only the young server had dropped on his face and was
sobbing. Aglovale rested as still as if he, too, were dead, and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 121

for a while none had the heart to speak in the presence of such
death and grief.

When at last the Prior came and touched him, he lifted up
a ghastly visage. All in morne silence they watched him
as, with the sign of the cross, he closed the lids of the dead
man, and laid him down reverently, lifted up the jaw, straight-
ened the limbs, lapped him decently. Last he crossed him
brow and breast. Without dispute the Prior stood by, seeing
his office done by another.

Then said Aglovale, " He shall be buried beside his
brother."

" Alas ! Sir Aglovale," quavered the Prior, " he may not be
buried there. How came he by his death ? "

Painfully Aglovale brought forth what he knew of the
truth.

" I caused his death ; I confess it. I left him in distress —
he wanting comfort — without a word I went, for I am curst.
And eager after me he leaned out from a window, calling — and
fell. Ah, gape and wag your heads upon me, who have lost
my best friend by unkindness."

" One who saw says he died otherwise ; that he cast himself
down wilful to death."

He cried out mightily in terror, " A lie, oh, a lie ! Who
has said it ? "

Like frightened sheep they huddled from him, thrusting
forward the witness to the Prior's hand.

" I said but what I saw," whimpered the lad. " It is God's
truth I did see — I can say no otherwise. He laid his arms
across his eyes — so ! He stepped back — so ! He pitched him-
self forward headlong, as would to Heaven I had never seen."

Aglovale turned and fell on his knees by the body to look
in the dead face. " Brose, Brose ! " he questioned huskily of
eternal silence. Further he questioned, higher, " Oh, my God,
my God, my God ! " He surrendered question with a great
cry of despair, and called on death and damnation.

To the Prior he came on his knees to beg passionately for
Christian burial to Brose.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" May I be buried like a dog, but not he. For howsoever
he died I was the cause. Show such kindness to his poor
body, that God above may see to consider on kindness to his
poor soul."

As he kneeled, holding the good man by the skirt, sup-
plicating, trembling, tears sprang and ran down his haggard
face, and his speech was hindered by sobs so fierce that on his
naked body the ribs stood out straining, and the hurt in his
side welled and trickled. So piteous was the spectacle that
the Prior himself was in tears to refuse him. Yet, as was his
duty, so he did ; and since other consolation he would offer
was rejected blasphemously, he and his company at last
departed heavily, sodden to the heart, and left the wretched
man shedding curses.

Presently two came again with mattocks and a piece of
scarlet blanket for Brose in his last bed. These they left, for
Sir Aglovale would not suffer them to deal with the body.

Within the chapel the Prior gathered his company, and all
engaged in pitiful prayer. For the dead man they might not
pray, but for the living they prayed right hard and constantly.
Only the young server, wanting his gown, stole aloft before the
day was done. Behind the shutter he laid himself down, and
by the chink at the sill watched the burial of Brose.

The world was washed and radiant at the stoop of day,
jubilant with singing birds, fragrant, delightful, topped by a
rainbow-sweep wasting up into pure sky. The elder-tree
glittered to wind and sun. At its roots, like a blot of blood,
lay the scarlet roll.

Sir Aglovale dug the grave. Dark, dry blood crumbled
from his side and fresh red ran, as he peeled off the emerald
turf and trenched through damp soil and dry. With every
heft came a little start of blood.

The body of Brose was already rigid as he reclothed it in
scarlet and brought it to the brink of the grave. There it
rested, while down in the pit stood Sir Aglovale, worked with
sobs, pressing to the lifeless breast his face and hands.

Then the young server saw the shrouded clay entered to

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 123

its final home ; but to the bed of the grave he could not spy.
The sun sank and set, and the rose of eve mounted the sky
and faded. " Ah, mercy ! " shivered the lad. " Will he never
quit the pit ? Is he, too, dead ? "

The ringing of a bell summoned him away then ; but later
he crept back, to see Sir Aglovale filling up the grave in the
pearly twilight, treading down the mould, resetting the turf.
The last he saw of that sorry burial was him prostrate on the
unhallowed grave of his poor servant.

Yet Brose, who had little piety and much love, though no
stake pinned him down, rested quietly thereafter as any of the
blessed dead.

CHAPTER XIII

NACIEN the Hermit was stricken with age and feeble, yet
he came down from the height of Wenlock Edge when
a child brought in word of a miserable wight below.
Where first he had met with Sir Aglovale he found him again,
and knew him through his disguise when he spoke.

Sir Aglovale refused consolation. " He is dead. I have
destroyed him. Body and soul I have destroyed him."

" God defend ! My son, what have you done ? Is he
your brother, Sir Percivale ? "

"Brose, who loved me. Brose. He is dead and buried
like a dog. I destroyed him body and soul."

He would give no clearer answer, so Nacien forsook
question and lifted supplication to Heaven for them both,
living and dead. Aglovale stopped his ears, cursing ; and he
started away when the holy man made the sign of the cross ;
and like a demon put to flight he took his frantic course, that
ended headlong well-nigh to his destruction.

Nacien took him in charge then, and by his skill and good-
ness preserved his life ; and sense and strength came back to
him, though so slowly, that near a month passed before he was
fit to bear question.

" I have lost," said Aglovale. " Trouble me no further."

"What have you done? What of your brother, Sir
Percivale ? "

" He has done with me."

He told all, little by little ; neither for relief nor counsel,
but rather as a docile child because Nacien bade. With
sorrow and deep compassion the saintly man heard that

124

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 125

grievous tale of affliction and loss; yet, for all his godliness
and wisdom, he could not find the remedy for that broken
heart."

" Sir, cease your pains for me," said Aglovale, " they have
no use."

" Take heed, my son, lest you fall to the deadliest of sins,
that is despair. Thereby perished Brose."

" Sir," said Aglovale, quivering, " need you preach to me
of his damnation who loved me ? "

" In the name of God," said Nacien, " I do speak as there
is need ; for too like his love for you has been yours for your
brother — insubordinate. So has the countenance of the creature
been worshipped and the countenance of the Creator despised."

" There is no need to tell me so. Cease and let me be."

He answered so not sullen, but weary and indifferent.
And Nacien did not discover the ground of his condition, for
searching question he met with silence ; and when encourage-
ment was offered him with a measure of praise, came the same
answer, " Cease, cease, there is no use."

So in patience and prayer the hermit refrained for a time,
grieved and wondering that the bravest penitent that ever he
guided should have so forsaken faith and hope.

Aglovale, as soon as he was able to go, asked for his leper's
habit. Then Nacien called a child, and bade him go fetch
what belonged to Sir Aglovale. An hour went before he came
again.

With tramp of hoof and rattle of steel he came again ; and
Aglovale, disturbed, saw the blond mane of Favel and the
arms he had left at the Priory. These Nacien had sent for
privily, and bestowed ready for him near at hand. He refused
them, saying he had no will to resume knightly condition ; and
still he refused when Nacien censured the leper's cover he had
taken, and urged him to renew worthy living.

" I have tried and failed," he said.

Along the windy ridge came ladies on white palfreys, riding
at a soft pace. With hoods and amices grey they seemed
religious ; but when they lighted down, and one came forward

126 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

quick-step, her hood slipped back and discovered bright locks
floating free, and beneath the fluttered grey shone rich vesture,
fit for the daughter of a king. Then Nacien knew her and
cried welcome.

Aglovale withdrew to roam the ridge apart. Her face was
solemn and eager like his sister Saint; lovelier he had never
beheld. Soon he was followed by two other ladies, who
saluted him courteously, and he them.

" Sir," said one, " methinks your dress belies you ; and we
fain would think that yours be these arms we see here."

" Fair ladies, no. They are not mine."

" Tell us if you know whose they be."

" Those are the arms of Sir Percivale de Galis."

At that the two ladies looked one at the other and smiled.

" Fair sir, there you mistake ; for we know well Sir
Percivale, and have but lately departed from him; and this
shield has a blazon like his, but with a difference ? "

"Where have you met Sir Percivale? Where have you
left him? O fair ladies, give me tidings, for I was once
tutor to Sir Percivale, and loved him well."

" Sooth, sir, that is to your praise, for truly Sir Percivale is
one that for knighthood has but few peers."

Straightway she told her tale : how on a morning as she
was hawking by the water, two knights came riding and called
to her from the further side ; and she gave them to know that
within the castle thereby they should find the mightiest man
alive, who of late had overthrown five hundred knights ; and
therewith she pointed where a barge lay moored ; and straight
one of these knights entered with his horse, and crossed over
to offer battle. And of the battle she told that she went to see :
how for more than two hours two of the best knights in the
world fought equal, till with broken harness and sore wounds
they rested and enquired of each other their names and told
them. He, the young knight that came, was Sir Percivale de
Galis ; and the other, known heretofore in the castle as the
Chevalier Mai Fet, gave his true name : he was Sir Launcelot
du Lake."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 127

Flushed and stammering like a drunkard, Aglovale gave
thanks.

" It was his Quest ; worshipfully has he achieved it. Two
hours equal battle with Sir Launcelot is great worship. O
happy ladies to have seen ! "

" Sir, there is behind more to tell to the worship of Sir
Percivale de Galis. Will you hear what high matter was told
by that other knight, his fellow ? "

" Yea, madam. Who was his fellow ? "

"The noble knight, Sir Ector de Maris, brother to Sir
Launcelot du Lake, he was his fellow. Hear in brief what
he told.

" As he rode in a forest, a knight armed and ready stood
in his way, even Sir Percivale. Howbeit they knew not each
other for fellows of the Round Table, and both in the Quest
of Sir Launcelot, for as noble knights they justed at sight.
And Sir Percivale had a fall. Then he required Sir Ector to
fight to an end on foot, and so they did. Fair and even they
fought, for one was young, eager and strong, and one was sure,
knowing, and practised. From noon to sundown they fought,
till scarcely could they stand for loss of blood, as the wounds
they gave were many and great. Never before had either
been so hard matched, and so they fought to the death. And
when they had no more strength to fight, and knew they were
slain men, then they spoke together, and were known to each
other with their names ; and they made goodly sorrow together,
and namely that they might not come by a priest to receive
their Saviour at their ending. Then Sir Percivale kneeled
down, and with great devotion commended them to Jesu-God.

" O fair sir ! but he did not depart this life ! Truly, sir,
he is not dead, nor is Sir Ector. To the glory of our Maker
and Saviour they have their living in this world.

" Then and there, whereas they looked to die, came and
passed a moving mystery of light and sweetness; and there-
upon they forsook pain and faintness and stood up whole of
their bodies. And one of them had grace to see a maiden go
past bearing a shining vessel ; yea, Sir Percivale saw, as only

128 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

the pure in heart may see, the Holy Grail that is the vessel
with the blessed Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Speechless was Aglovale. He kneeled down, and the two
ladies looked on his face wondering ; looked on each other ;
took hands together and went away very softly, leaving him
entranced and unaware.

All manner of sweet influences found out Aglovale where
he had lost himself. There was a little patch of dim blue,
a weed embedded in thyme, that rooted to unfading remem-
brance. The benediction of the sun, the embrace of the
wind, the inspirations of fresh may, were solvents to dividual
sense; a fire, an air, an essence was he, above the poor
particles that walked the ridge with him, halt, wasted, feeble.

At the close of day the voice of Nacien recalled him.
" Give praise to God, my son."

Said Aglovale, " He has seen the Holy Grail. Percivale.
Percivale has seen the Holy Grail."

The saying of it was sweet to him ; he said it over and
over; he asked to hear it by the mouth of Nacien, and listened
agape a little, smiling, as a child listens to old rote.

Below went the three ladies, riding through thickets of may
into the lowland mist. " O happy ladies ! to have seen and
heard. Sir, they vanished from me. What are they ? "

Right so drew near a fresh visitant. With the child to
guide, an old man in religious clothing came up from below ;
like one of the prophets, his face shone ruddy and glorious in
the evening glow on the height. Nacien hailed him with joy,
and then Sir Aglovale knew him for Sir Brastias, once a noble
knight, who in old age had turned to holy living as a hermit.

" Sir," said the child to Aglovale, " the lady who spoke
with you sends you word that to-morn she rides for the court
of King Arthur ; and she prays you to go with her for the high
feast of Pentecost ; and this is her token for your wear." And
with that he handed branches of thorn, with blossom of red
and of white.

Amazed at that gracious invitation from one who seemed
to him like a heavenly agent, Aglovale took the blossoming

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 129

thorn, and pondered, and understood a fair significance. The
two holy men passed him near, rapt in discourse on a high
matter. They spoke of the Holy Grail, of the best knight of
all the world, of the coming feast of Pentecost when he should
be made known. A little way off upon the ridge the child
began chanting his evening hymn. Facing the sunset sky,
where a star glimmered, he stood ; and this he chanted :

"Fairest Lord Jesu,

Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the son !

Thee would I worship,

Thee would I cherish,
Thou my soul's glory, joy, and crown.

" Fair is the sunshine,

Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host.

Jesu shines fairer,

Jesu shines clearer,
Than all the lights that heaven can boast."

Then Aglovale was left to twilight and solitude, mazing
over the blossoming colours of Pentecost, swayed by the gusts
of heaven.

The flowers were in his hands as late he entered from the
night, and stood before Nacien, diffident, expectant, fain.

" God has been gracious to you, my son," said the hermit.

" O sir, an so you hold, seeing I have served under God,
and not in vain, consider me now and stint me not ! Give me
to see according to your light, that I may worship more
perfectly."

"In the name of God I charge you," said Nacien.
" Renew your service ; renew your life. Go down hence and
fill up the number of the Round Table. For I tell you that
at this feast of Pentecost the highest worship shall befall the
fellowship of the Round Table that ever man shall see."

" One has bidden me so already. And see ! here is token
she has sent. Who is she ? What are they — those ladies ? "

" It were well that you go with that courteous lady, for she
K

130 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

rides to forewarn King Arthur of this high matter. Also to
warn Sir Launcelot that not he, but another, from that day
shall take name as the best knight of the world."

Said Aglovale, aglow, " Oh, sir, name him here and now !
the best knight of the world; him you foretold to me from
the beginning. Satisfy me quite with his name."

Then Nacien discerned and ended his flight. " My son,
his name would not satisfy you. Be content with less. I give
you to know that the fairest lady of those three, she is mother
to him that shall be the best knight of the world."

Aglovale fingered the thorn and plucked off a blossom.

" But go you down to Camelot to the feast ; there may you
see and be satisfied. For he that shall come shall do marvel-
lously, and many marvels await and shall be achieved of him.
And he shall never be overthrown ; and he shall never fail ;
and he shall slay no man unhappily, for the will of God shall
be with his sword ; and he shall be of perfect faith ; and he
shall be a maiden clean of life and heart ; and the virtue of
his touch shall win back sight and health, and his presence
shall give comfort to souls in pain."

Aglovale did not lift a look as the holy man spoke,
absorbed in prophecy. He shed off blossom and leaf, broke
up the bare thorn, and flung it to the hearth.

" I will not go ! " said Aglovale, and turned out into the
night.

So on the morrow that courteous lady waited and looked
for Sir Aglovale in vain, and alone she came to Camelot.
Also Sir Brastias made delay, and sought him in vain that day
and the next; and so he came late to Camelot with his
message on the day of Pentecost. Doubtless Sir Aglovale
watched their goings, for on the day following the child saw
him at dawn roaming the ridge, and took him tidings that
brought him again to Nacien in grief and compunction.

Nacien to his deathbed had gathered up his feet, for the
weight of years was too heavy for him to carry on. Yet, when
Aglovale came in, he strengthened himself, and sat, and spoke
with him for the last time, clear in thought and speech.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 131

Earnestly he prayed and enjoined him to return to his right
place, to live worthily and knightly. Aglovale answered
heavily that he could not and would not ; when he had tried
his utmost all that he did went amiss.

" Lo ! in Galis. There I failed utterly and was hated and
opposed, till I found Sir Hermind to lend himself ; and he
straightway won all I strove for, lightly and peaceably, and
was loved and approved. Now he rules indeed, and well, and
happily, so I need to trouble Galis no more. And he sits
now at the Table Round, and I am dismissed.

"Yea, sir, knighthood is dead in me. My lord King
Arthur said it : He is dead. And it is true. Once I kept a
dream of great wars coming, when King Arthur might remember
me, how I served him well against Rome. Now I know that
he would remember to forget me.

" All is lost. Percivale is lost to me. And Percivale has
lost by me ; but for me he had been innocent of blood. He
fought for me guiltily, for I ween he doubted me then. He
fought for me vindictive, for he loved me then. The fault was
mine, that I left him in ignorance. Now he will smite no man
to death for speaking ill of me. Him will I trouble no more.

" And Brose is dead."

Nacien questioned how, if he refused to serve his fellow-
man in the world, did he purpose to serve God ; and questioned
whether he inclined to a religious life ; and put him in mind
how, long ago, he had asked his prayers that he should
continue ever God's true servant; and, said Nacien, he had
been constant so to pray for him since. And at last Aglovale
was brought to answer him openly, and discover his perilous
despair.

" Sir, I ask you to cease from any prayer for me as one
God's servant ; and for my soul pray not in this world or the
next. I will not to be of the fellowship of the blessed souls,
for those I have loved and worshipped have been so troubled
and shamed by me in this world they would take little joy of
my company in the next. Right gracious and kind would they
be, but not verily glad. No, not the mother that bore me,

132 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

not the father that begot me ; and I will not to face them and
bedim their worship. And bright Lamorak need never redden
for me. And Percivale, here or there, need not nerve his
heart to bear with me. And there is one who would turn
away to hide from me ; she loved me, and died of the shame
of it. Gilleis, Gilleis, namely I will to spare Gilleis."

Her name was a gaping wound as when Nacien first heard
it when that grief was young.

The saintly old man, patient and compassionate, heard
him through without showing how greatly he was shocked and
grieved.

Then said he, " Know you not One Who loves you more
than these, Who deserves more your love ? "

" Yea, yea, I know," said Aglovale. " My brother Durnor
would be glad of me."

At that Nacien smiled and sighed, but let him carry on.

" Him I loved little, and regarded little while he was alive.
Alas for Durnor ! he was so far my nearest brother in this life
that I doubt whether I may not meet him where I shall go in
the next. For he was an evil liver, profane, sacrilegious, and
merry withall ; and he was cut off unprepared. Wherever he
be, he will be glad of me, and will come brotherly, and hold
my hand, and kiss my cheek, without constraint or grudge.
Fain would I hold to him brotherly as he deserves."

Said Nacien, " I tell you, you do presume most grossly,
and your standing is rotten. God Who made your brothers
alone can judge them ; and He sees not as man sees, for in
His sight the first shall be last and the last first."

Said Aglovale, flushed, "An you speak of Sir Lamorak,
I tell you God Almighty has made few like him. He never
did baseness ; no, nor thought it ; he was fair and strong and
true and courteous from the heart outward ; and he was the
most splendid fighter that ever drew sword. I deem Maker
God is not as an earthly monarch, that He should let such an
one go from His lists to be taken and entered to the boast of
Hell power."

Said Nacien, patiently, " I speak as to Sir Durnor, putting

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 133

case as to his appointed place, an his Maker regard him more
favourably than you his brother."

Then Aglovale answered and said, " Yet there is Brose.
Yea so ! Mighty God has the heart to damn my poor servant
Brose ! "

Dread fell upon Nacien, for then he understood how
despair was rooted; and he recalled how the wretched man
had gone from him, frantic and headlong, almost to destruction,
maybe to perish body and soul even as Brose. What help
could avail in a case so desperate? what argument could a
dying old man uphold whose faculties were yielding to the
night ? Nacien prayed inwardly awhile before he spoke.

" Have you forgot there is One Who calls you brother,
Whose love is faster than the love of any you name, Who is
more willing and faithful than ever was Brose ? "

"Sir Tor!" said Aglovale, in a maze. "You mean my
brother the bastard, Sir Tor ! "

" No, blind man, not Sir Tor."

Then Aglovale blushed and smote down his head, and held
quiet while Nacien taught and reminded him how Christ Jesu
our Lord is the perfect Brother of poor man; Who was
sorrowing after his love and worship, as he had sorrowed after
Sir Percivale's or Sir Lamorak's; Whose offered love he
neglected more flagrantly than he had neglected Sir Burner's.
Gently and simply, as though he were teaching a little child,
Nacien spoke, and as Aglovale listened, Heaven rushed his
heart.

" Ah, spare to rend me ! " he said faintly. " It is not for
me now to raise love and worship to God; yet against my
will I do love and worship indeed, as never before with all
my will I could, Howbeit my will is my own, and is bound
down to my servant Brose. I am guilty of his end, — I curst
and unkind. And he died contented in my arms. And to
content him hereafter in our appointed place is but the due of
his great devotion."

Now Nacien could not presume to speak any word of
hope as to Brose, since his death was manifestly wilful and

134 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

impenitent; but he spoke of the highest dues, and of the
greatest devotion that ever was.

"Sure, He that made me will understand," answered
Aglovale. " Ah, sure, a perfect Brother will know that in my
heart I love and worship though I shall be outcast."

"Give me to know," said Nacien, "what you will do.
Since you will serve neither God nor man, how do you purpose
to spend and end your days ? "

" As to ending, I have lost all wilful purpose out of mind,
and have come to love life in this fair and pleasant world;
and as to spending, I have no purpose. But before I go hence
I do desire to look my fill on the works and ways of God
Almighty, how He makes and mends in this world ; and I do
desire to walk the earth alive with the sun and the rain and
all that grows, and to see the eyes of kindly men ; and I do
desire very greatly to hear and know of Sir Percivale, and
how he achieves, before I have to go hence."

" Consider, my son," said Nacien, " that you are now but
in the prime of your life, with all your faculties in hand, and
with great capacity for evil or for good. Now, is it your will to
give yourself up to serve the Devil as aforetime ? How ? Do
you need telling?" said Nacien, and straight rehearsed the
heads of old misdoing.

Aglovale considered the matter, and then he answered,
"No. As for those sins, no. Now I find in my heart not
lusting but loathing. I know not how, the Devil has lost that
hold he had. Save for remembrance, I have come to be as
clean in thought as in life ; night and day, asleep and awake ;
and now no dreams trouble me. It is passing strange. I rest
like the dead asleep, with never a dream."

" Would you to continue so to your life's end, it is not
enough that you keep from evil and contemplate good alone ;
except you do good with all your might, and fill out your life,
the Devil will surely enter in disguise, and make you serve
again to some dreadful end."

"God defend!"

" You still do pray ? "

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 135

" I do, that I may cause no harm, nor do it. For at least
I may endeavour not to grieve and offend day by day Him
I love and worship, though I be recusant."

" The least indeed ! Would you be altogether barren of
the fruits of love and worship ? Rather with greater devotion
and diligence should you quit yourself. Render the residue
of your days to the honour and glory of God, to furthering
Divine order in this world with observance and serviceableness
and courage, or to enduring under adversity with patience and
meekness and constancy.

" Lo ! when our Lord suffered outrage on the cross, it was
an offender there that friended Him with vinegar in His thirst.
So you being such an offender, committing great outrage, yet
assuage a little the dolorous drought of Him crucified. Dread
not that He turn away His face and refuse the taste, though
all you bring of love and worship be but as sour dregs, without
virtue of faith. It may be that so you shall see His face and
hear Him, better than some His far-off disciples."

Then Aglovale came and kneeled down and bowed his
head to the bed at Nacien's knees, dumb with sorrow, love,
and adoration. When he could speak, he said brokenly, " I
promise you I will do what I can till God shall put me away
out of this life."

Nacien in his heart then lifted the song of Simeon, so glad
and hopeful was he ; for now he was assured that the wayward
man was off the brink of destruction after Brose, and bent
upon a good life ; and that might well bring him round even to
the brink of salvation. To this effect had he wound about him
and enticed him, when he saw he could not turn him direct
from his hopeless doom, for he was both wily and mild, as the
serpent and the dove.

But when Aglovale came to take thought he knew not
which way to turn. Nacien was ready with counsel.

" Forsake your covering of death ; do on your arms. Go
hence this hour and fill up the number of your fellow-
ship, and do your part in honour of this Holy Visitation now
at hand."

136 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

"I — I," he stammered, "I cannot. It were a mockery
and pretence for me to take part as others, knowing the Holy
Blood has been shed for me in vain. And it is too late ;
though Favel should burst to carry me, time and space forbid,
and the feast of Pentecost must pass me by."

" That is so. And you shall not see with your bodily eyes
as your fellows shall see, nor be fed with sweetness as they
shall taste, for you do not deserve ; but you shall take up your
part in bitter humiliation, and your portion shall be as dust to
eat. So shall you prove your love and worship."

Aglovale rose and went out straightway, and came again
armed. So weak was he yet in body and spirit that his harness
rattled upon him as he stood. He owned to cowardice.

"There be two I doubt and dread like death — my brother
Percivale and my lord Arthur. The face of King Arthur like
a sword I do guess ; Percivale's I cannot guess. Holy doom !
how can I stand if he and he cast me down ? "

" Now I warn you look for no help or comfort of mortal
man. And if you be still set upon winning to yourself fame
and favour by your deeds, then is your heart divided and your
devotion without integrity. Bethink you, moreover, how, if
you meet your desert, your battles shall ever prove you
with loss."

" Alas ! sir, how then shall my living profit ? "

" The measure of battles is but according to the stand of
the vanquished. Your battles may be profitable enough,
though not to you; and should you be counted the worst
member of your fellowship, your stay shall ground the
degrees."

" Sir Nacien, is this soothsay upon me ? Can you help me
with no better hope ? "

" My son," said Nacien, earnestly, " I have no better hope
for you as you are."

Aglovale took thought and understood him. He smiled
wryly as he answered back.

"Years ago one that would not consent to ransom his
neck at the gallows-tree was set to slave in a galley, that the

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 137

gall of that life might enforce him to sue for relief at any price.
I tell you it was all in vain."

Said Nacien, " Continue your parable to the end. What
came of him ? "

" Ah, Sir Nacien, but the end fits not here ! For I broke
loose and won free ; and I loosed Brose too."

CHAPTER XIV

ABOUT the time of evensong on the day of Pentecost, that
lady of the thorn blossom, her errand done, rode her
way to Nacien again to tell of the new-made knight Sir
Galahad. She came upon a knight fallen flatlings beside his
horse. That blond mane she had seen before, and those arms ;
and when she uncovered the knight's face she knew him again.
No hurt upon him could she find, and he was warm ; his
eyes were shut, and his breathing slow as in sleep ; but rouse
him she could not. So she waited beside him, marvelling over
his state.

At length tears came from his shut eyes ; he sighed the
name of Percivale; he woke, and lifting got to his knees.
Still he seemed entranced and unaware, as when she had left
him upon Wenlock Edge; and when she spoke to him by
name, he turned a vacant stare and answered astray.

" Yea, I know it ; he has seen ! Percivale my brother has
seen the Holy Grail ! "

He missed the fragrance of wild thyme, and the little patch
of dim blue, and came to himself, and knew where he was.

" Sir Aglovale, what evil has befallen you ? "

" Madam, no evil," he stammered.

" How came you here on the road to Camelot ? Few days
ago, uncourteous knight, you refused to come at my request,
when I sent you a right fair token."

He spoke still astray. " O happy lady ! speak again of my
brother."

" O unhappy knight ! I speak you reproach, for cause that
138 '

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 139

you sit not at the Table Round on this day of days, when every
siege should be filled, and the fellowship perfect. For the
best knight of the world is made and known, and to-day he
sits in the Siege Perilous that has never been filled ; and Sir
Percivale, your brother, sits beside him at his right hand."

She stopped, for she saw that his spirit was caught away,
shadowed and enrapt.

" Christ keep us all," she whispered with crossings, in some
misgiving as to his right wits. Then, with woman's sense, she
began speaking soft and fair in praise of Sir Percivale until he
heard.

" When young Sir Galahad broke spears," she said, " there
were but two he did not overthrow : one was Sir Launcelot,
and one was Sir Percivale.

"Now, sir, to tell you all fairly, your brother grieved
greatly to hear of your condition; for, Sir Aglovale, I could
not report well of you, as knightly or courteous of behaviour,
when he questioned me hard. Also I would have you to know
that I offered him hope, proved vain, alas ! that with Sir
Brastias you might follow soon; and then he was glad, and
your brother Sir Tor also."

Not till she made to go did Sir Aglovale mend his behaviour,
thanking her meekly and largely for her goodness to one,
graceless and unhappy, who had rejected her goodwill without
excuse. That courteous lady went to a thicket and plucked
again blossoming thorn for him to wear, and lightly then she
set on her way to Nacien the Hermit.

Early on the morrow, as Aglovale sighted the towers of
Camelot, a hooded traveller came by, who halted amazed, and
saluted him byname.

" In the name of God ! " said Sir Brastias, " can you be
here, Sir Aglovale ? "

" Sir, no question, but here I am."

" Nay ; but were you not at Camelot, at the supper, at the
Holy Visitation?"

" Fair sir, let me hear whatever you know, if you be come
from Camelot, for I was not so blest as to be there."

140 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

So Sir Brastias told him all that had befallen, as my most
dear Master tells.

"Yet one says that he saw you there; and he is your
brother, Sir Percivale."

Aglovale answered naught. His spirit was caught away,
shadowed and enrapt, so that Sir Brastias marvelled to see
him. Afterward he questioned his word more closely.

" On the faith of my body," said Sir Aglovale, low, " I was
elsewhere."

" Hear now of the matter," said Sir Brastias, " and rede it
how you may.

" So soon as I came to Camelot, and had said my errand
from Nacien the Hermit, your brother Sir Percivale came to
me troubled, and asked for you, why you hid from him. I
told him what I knew of you ; but that he had heard already
from a lady. He said you were come to Camelot, for that he
had seen you in your place at the board, the last to be there.
When I said you were not come with me, he departed hastily
on search.

" Then came others, Sir Tor and Sir Hermind, to question ;
howbeit they had not seen you in your place ; and the point
was in debate, whether or no your siege were void indeed
throughout the supper. Sir Aglovale, I am loth to repeat all
that touches you ; all that I heard by Sir Percivale and others."

" All, sir, all. I do require it all."

" There was debate on a word King Arthur had spoken,
when all sat at the board. In a manner he seemed to approve
your absence. Sir, I am sorry to hurt your ears."

" Speak out, sir. I will hear all."

"Said King Arthur: that day his noble fellowship of
knights was as complete as he would have it. Thereupon,
your siege being then void as all could see, some undertalk ran
as to whether the King spoke on oversight, or with purpose
upon your absence. I do rather hold that he spoke but as
to the filling of the Siege Perilous and the presence of Sir
Galahad."

" Did my fellows so hold ? "

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 141

" Alas ! Sir Aglovale, many spoke of cause why he denied
you."

" Did my brother, Sir Percivale, so hold ? "

" Alas, alas ! " said Brastias, " he too acknowledged there
was cause, and he grieved greatly.

"It was within St. Stephen's Minster that I found Sir
Percivale again : by his weeping I found him in the dark. I
tell you it was pity to find him so whelmed, when others were
all uplifted and rejoicing.

" Hear what your brother told ! His day was turned to
night in the King's hall for your sake, and the King's meats
were soured, and choked him that he could not eat. So as he
sat, on a sudden the thunder of miracle broke, the great hall
shuddered and reeled like a barge at sea, the beam of the high
Mystery shone over all. Men looked upon one another,
but none could speak nor move. Then it was, in the great
stillness that held before the Holy Grail entered, that Sir
Percivale saw you in your place. Eye to eye, he said, he saw
you there, regarding him earnestly without a sign. ' And then,'
said he, ' all at once I was blinded with sharp tears, and I
could not see. And then,' said he, ' I felt the presence of the
Holy Grail, and I breathed that sweetness beyond compare ;
but I could not see, save a glimmer passing by, so blind was I
with tears. Then rose my fellows, and I rose, and vowed my
vow with them. And then remembering I turned to look, and
lo ! one had not risen, but leaned down prone to the board ;
and that was my brother, Sir Aglovale. But before I could
make to him through the press, he avoided his place and
privily was gone.' "

Here Sir Brastias paused, but Aglovale stood without a
sign and did not speak.

" As for your fellows nearest you in place, none had seen
you enter or depart; howbeit they doubted to say you were
not there at all. But certainly none but Sir Percivale had seen
you clearly in the visage, and none had exchanged with you
word of salutation. In the name of God, Sir Aglovale, what is
this mystery ? "

142 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

He answered, low as before, with the same words, " On
the faith of my body, I know not."

Furthermore Sir Brastias told him how Sir Percivale was
in great tribulation and perplexity, and how in St. Stephen's
he kneeled down and prayed on high. "Ah, Lord Jesus,
take Thou my heart ! Thou who hast called me to for
sake my brother to follow Thee, be to him pitiful and kind,
that he may know Thee sure above all brothers, forsaking
never."

" Yea, amen," said Aglovale. " Enough for me only to
see him in the body once again."

" As at this time, Sir Aglovale, I think you over late. At
daybreak I set out when all was grey with the river mist ; and
as I climbed to higher air, I looked back, and saw the towers
of Camelot afloat against the east ; and there up the hill over
against me rode as it were a morning star out of the mist.
Methinks it was Sir Percivale, the first away on the Holy
Quest."

Camelot was all at hush as Aglovale rode in. He came
into the Minster of St. Stephen, and stood among his fellows.
When 'he got his eyesight the first he saw was young Galahad.
Without telling he knew him, by passionate envy he knew him,
for there he saw praying a fairer soul than Percivale.

The King's stall was in gloom ; for the lights were out that
for many years had burned day and night upon the tomb of
Lot of Orkney. Twelve tapers had Merlin set there, when he
fashioned that tomb at Arthur's command : upheld by images
of kings vanquished, they lighted up an image of King Arthur
triumphant. So above the tomb of Lot his wordly power
stood figured, whereas close beside had Merlin made ready
another tomb, wherein Arthur himself should lie ; and he
foretold how these lights should fail before the coming of the
adventures of the Holy Grail, as now had come to pass.

Presently, when the service was over, the King made all
who had taken the Quest to be called and enrolled. First
was the name of Sir Percivale set down, as already departed,
foremost in devotion to his vow. Then one by one past the

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 143

King's stall went his knights, and the tale was made of one
hundred nine and forty.

Said Arthur, " Who avouched Sir Percivale departed ?
Yonder I espy him kneeling. That is the crest of Galis under
the colours of Pentecost."

Then rose the last and went forward with uneven tread ;
and the King's countenance changed as he saw this was Sir
Aglovale, for plainly he was not glad to see him.

" How now, Sir Aglovale," he said very grave, " are you
here indeed ! "

" Yea, my lord, even I."

" Whence is this your coming ? "

" Sir, from the dead again, to take up this Quest."

King Arthur paused and considered him hard. Truly
never had he seen man alive carry more dead a visage.

" This is a high matter, Sir Aglovale, and I think you have
no call to take it."

"Sir, I have vowed to God to take it, and here would
record my vows."

" Your vows are too light to record. I know not how to
countenance this, for your credit is gone."

Hereupon the King called up for counsel the Archbishop of
Canterbury, and Sir Launcelot, and put question : should Sir
Aglovale be counted and enrolled with his fellows; he, a
knight foresworn, who had wantonly and insolently abandoned
his last quest, and had taken no pains since to cover his
default as a knight should.

Beneath the eyes of Launcelot he reddened painfully and
took his breath hard. King Arthur's strictures were not
unduly harsh, he knew ; in respect of Launcelot his default was
so flagrant and particular, that well might he who had given
him back his life begrudge the gift.

The Archbishop said aye. He cited, for instance, how our
Lord at His supper, on the night He was betrayed, gave the
blessed Bread and the Cup to all the twelve, not withholding
from him who had a devil, and the price of betrayal in
his hand.

144 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Sir Launcelot said aye. There was no severity in his
grave, considerate regard, there was no commiseration ; there
was in it some meaning strange and unresolved, that touched
and went like a lost dream. In times to come that look was
to meet Sir Aglovale again and again, giving him wonder anew
till the day when Sir Launcelot let out of his heart three words
to his amazement.

Launcelot spoke low. Many, he said, who went un-
questioned, were not more worthy than Sir Aglovale to take
part in this Quest; unrebuked of man indeed, but with the
rebuke of God against them ; and that should be proved, and
name and fame come to poor account, as Brastias the Hermit
had come to warn them.

" Alas ! Sir Launcelot," said Arthur, " I would this Quest
was undone. It is too great and high. And sooth not Sir
Aglovale only would I keep from it, but the most of ye all, my
noble knights, saving for your heavy vows.

"But for you, Sir Aglovale, how came you to these
vows ? "

" I — I vowed," he stammered. " Even as my fellows have
vowed, so have I."

" Came you in at my doors like a thief and away ? That
has been said of you."

" No, on the faith of my body, no. I come straight from
afar."

"Your brother, Sir Percivale, avouches that he saw you
yesterday at the supper."

" Howbeit, my lord, I was elsewhere and far."

"Do you, then, presume to take these vows without
occasion ? You have not seen that your fellows saw." He
pressed for an answer.

"Sir, I do believe that I also have seen a part of that my
fellows saw."

"Say you so! When?"

" At that time the Holy Grail appeared unto you all."

" Your words match not one with another. What is the
truth?"

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 145

Aglovale faltered and stammered. " I cannot tell — I have
yet to learn."

"I charge you, on your allegiance, lay all before me
without more question."

Already King Arthur suspected falseness, for Sir Aglovale
had not answered him readily throughout ; and now plainly he
spoke with an effort.

" Sir, verily I know not what is the truth. Judge you.
As I rode hither either I slept or swooned. The time was
last sundown as I heard thunder. Clearly, as I see you now,
meseemed I saw the face of my brother, Sir Percivale. He
looked at me ; he wept. Then against him dawned a light so
great that his face faded as the moon fades at sunrise ; and I
dared not look ; I knew, and I dared not look to see the Holy
Grail. On this wise I vowed to God, to go and abide in the
Quest, to see and to worship, and not to hide my eyes for any
dread."

" This is strange telling," said the King, staggered.
" What confirmation to this tale can you offer ? I require all
so much."

The hue of truth that rose at his doubt had to Arthur's
eyes another reading.

" As to time and place," said Aglovale, " there was witness
in the lady who returned from hence to Nacien the Hermit.
She found me as I was ; she heard me speak ; she bound me
to wear this token that now I carry."

" Well ! " said Arthur. " Now answer further ; has any
man taken you report of the supper, and of the Holy Marvel,
and namely of your brother Sir Percivale beholding you, as he
thought?"

" Yea, Sir Brastias the Hermit met me this day and told
me all."

" Did you offer him aught of the tale that you offer here ? "

" Naught."

" And wherefore naught ? "

The King's drift was clear enough : he held the truth to be
no better than an impudent imposture to win place and credit.
L

146 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" God's pity ! " said Launcelot, low, and turned away from
seeing a fellow-man writhe and choke past control.

" Wherefore naught ? " said Arthur.

" My lord, he had no force to strip me to the soul ! "

" I think you expose yourself."

" No, my lord ! At your will and pleasure I expose naked
truth — to shame."

" Well, well ! " said Arthur.

Then he considered the matter awhile in silence'; a great
while it seemed to Sir Aglovale, who stood in suspense to hear
if the King would tell him more plainly that he held him a
liar.

But the King would not say so. He would not rule, he
said, save in temporal matters ; and since a churchman held
Sir Aglovale entitled to be enrolled, he should not oppose.

Aglovale issued from St. Stephen's so blind and deaf, he
was for passing his brother Sir Tor. And he would say
little.

" Yea, Sir Tor, I go on this Quest. King Arthur flays me,
and lets me go. Keep from me ; for kindness only keep off."

He would not answer upon question of the supper and
Percivale's word for him there ; that dear and close communion
of spirit, with the reflection of heavenly grace, the mystery
King Arthur had desecrated and despised on suspicion, he
would not again declare, even to his brother Tor.

Tor took counsel with Sir Hermind and Sir Griflet, who
were friendly and sure.

" He is more obstinate in silence than ever before ; but
now he is not stark at all, but broken. Alas ! I think him
cowed. I know not how the King has dealt ; he came away
cowed to silence. Sirs, you who know him well, consider
that ! "

" Alas ! " said Griflet, " once he was the bravest man that
ever I saw fail ; yet so curst ! "

" Now I would he could show his curst temper. That is
douted quite. You never did know it as I, most hot and
intolerable j it was but as a smoulder you both have known it.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 147

Now it is out, as we may see by his face. For common kind-
ness he thanked me, as it were with blessing. Of old he
would offer me thanking as he would break my teeth."

Said Sir Hermind, " I knew his way with a difference ; the
same, contrary : round knocks bestowed as they were favours,
good service repaid by hard usage ; all, as it were, for gratifica-
tion. I pretend no love to him, yet no man have I met whose
approval I could more prize. In head and heart he was so
just and hard. And, sirs, with all his tarnish he took no
rust."

" Alas ! " said Sir Tor, " he may come to rust, being broken
as I deem."

So, at the departition of the followers of the Quest, these
three good and gentle knights, out of kindness and compassion,
drew to fellowship with Sir Aglovale, and held together as long
as they might with faith to their vows

Truly as Sir Tor said, they found him broken ; his curst
temper was out of him; he was open to kindness. And
presently the goodness of God Almighty, in the fair and
pleasant world, in the sun and the rain and all that grows, in
the eyes of kindly men, lifted his heart out of the dust, and he
was meetly thankful for all these mercies. And before long
he heard tidings of Sir Percivale.

Then he ordered his goings in such wise that Sir Tor took
note and was troubled.

" Bethink you, brother, we are upon the Quest of the Grail,
and nathless you do ensue after Sir Percivale."

" As for me," said Aglovale, " that is all one."

" Is this honest dealing ? "

" Ah, Tor, as for you all, I have marvel however ye should
abide with me, and be on the Holy Quest in singleness of
heart."

Then Tor considered well, and spoke again strongly, and
at last departed from his brother. Sir Hermind also scrupled
and went.

But Sir Griflet troubled not ; considering the way of kind-
ness as good as any to go in, he continued with Sir Aglovale.

148 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

And together they rode four days without tidings, till hard by
a Priory place they met with Sir Gawaine in his peaceable hour
of afternoon.

A Queen recluse from her cell near by looked out upon
them. Sir Gawaine at first mistook Sir Aglovale for his
brother, till he answered for himself; and then Gawaine in a
manner smoothly blamed his eyesight ; for it was his custom
to deliver his mind with a cover of courtesy to Sir Aglovale ;
not as Agravaine and Mordred, openly despiteful ; not as
Gaheris, who never spoke, and ignored him utterly. All this
the recluse understood well enough as she watched. Sir
Aglovale hove still and held quiet, while Gawaine and Griflet
discoursed of tidings and adventure; for Gawaine had come
lately from the Castle of Maidens, where he had followed up
Sir Galahad; and he had slain those whom Galahad had
overcome and left alive, as the grace of God was with his
sword.

When Sir Gawaine had made an end of his tale and was
departed, the recluse clapped and signed and brought those
two to her sill. She offered tidings of Sir Percivale. Herself
had seen at that place the best knight of the world encounter
with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale. Both he overthrew. With
the spear he smote down Sir Launcelot, horse and man ; with
the sword, at one stroke, he smote Sir Percivale from the
saddle. Then she looked upon Sir Aglovale, and chid him
for his sombre cheer, saying that jealousy even on behalf of a
brother was maugre and orgule and not a right spirit.

" Madam, who are you that know me ? "

" Sooth, I should know you, for I am none other than your
father's sister, once Queen of the Waste Lands."

With that she put back her hood a little, and he knew her
and marvelled to see her so, remembering her radiant day, and
haughty, untamable temper. But that was years ago, before
the death of her only son Nanowne le Petit, that Nabon le
Noire slew horribly, drawing him limb-meal out of despite to
King Arthur.

She entered then upon good discourse, showing how she

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 149

had changed her life ; and she spoke of his mother's death,
and of how his sister Saint had taken vows. But she would
not at that hour tell him the way Sir Percivale had gone, for
that way she knew had Gawaine gone also, in the track of
Galahad. Then she commended them to the Priory adjoining
for their lodging.

So she was in the daytime, changed and meek ; but in the
night time her old self fetched her up from her pallet, and
drove her to and fro the narrow space like a caged creature,
till she was spent and giddy.

" How long, O Lord, how long ! " she cried, as she laid her
chin against the sill, and stared at the misty lights of heaven.

Ghostly and large came a vision of King Pellinore before
her, floated upon mist. Nay, but his son, Aglovale.

So strong and absolute had been the gust of illusion that
still she thrilled and shuddered, and the force of sisterhood
put away the votary from her. She fell to weeping, and cried
to Sir Aglovale, why came he there ?

"Madam, I walk but according to custom, as I would
better patience under the night of heaven."

She cried out against patience; she cried for vengeance
that was justice; she poured out accusation and grief;
Pellinore dead, Lamorak dead, Durnor dead, all unavenged.
She rehearsed iniquities that flourished ; the sins of Arthur, of
his sister, of his sister's sons; and the loyal service of
Pellinore, repayed on him and his sons by abandonment, and
murder condoned.

That truth was one-sided indeed, and monstrous, and
distorted by her passion ; but it was main truth.

" Ah, madam, ah, madam ! " cried Aglovale, and drew to
her, pressing close to the grill.

She caught his hand through, and clung hard, and held it
with her own against her heaving heart. The contact of warm
human sympathy, whether for good or ill, was blinding sweet
and dear ; they were at one, one mind, one blood. He heard
her uttering her heart boldly before heaven ; lo ! she uttered all
that in his own heart he had striven to stifle and still as the

150 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

mutter and argue of a constant demon ; bitterness, resentment,
revolt, hatred, vengeance, freely and confidently she uttered ;
and she justified all.

She left the dead and held to the living man. She
addressed him without pity or excuse, from his own heart
telling him to his own ears j and even as he was, she cried out
against Arthur, because this was King Pellinore's son, neglected,
and abandoned alive to the despite of the sons of Lot.

" Madam, forbear, forbear ! " cried Aglovale. " My father
worshipped King Arthur, and my brothers dead worshipped
him, and so do my brothers alive, and so do I, for he is my
lord and king, who made me knight. And, madam, he has
judged me for his worship with no injustice that he knows, but
as he has seen me."

She cried, " But he has spared to judge his own blood ; he
has shut his eyes, he has shut his ears, yea, even as he shuts
his eyes and ears while Sir Launcelot beds with his Queen."

Aglovale pulled back his hand and stood away. Then she
changed and spoke soft. She said she would turn to patience.
Gawaine and his brethren had been patient; ten years they
awaited to avenge a fair stroke of battle by murder ; threefold
had they avenged it, and evermore. And sooth, she said, Sir
Aglovale showed he could be patient as they were ; she had
seen him that day, face to face with the murderer of his father,
meek as a maid and stomaching mock civility.

" Oh, ease your heart, madam ! " said Aglovale, and cursed
low on the name of Gawaine.

" Yea, I would do so," she said. " But come near ! "

He came wondering, for there was a strange catch and fall
in her voice. She spoke low.

She knew a tree, she said, that grew fair red fruit ; there
over his head it spread boughs, though fruit was now green.
She likened it to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Put case Sir Gawaine or his brothers tasted thereof, they
should know sure enough that murder was not good, but evil ;
sure as death they would know it. Her patience, and his,
might well endure till the green were red.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 151

" Then I will do my part," she said, " so you will but do
yours."

" Madam, I would only do the part of a knight."

She laughed out lamentably. Would he so do ? she said.
Unhappily, before his father's death, he had agreed with Sir
Gaheris to his shame ; whence forward those four brethren
openly refused to have knightly ado with him.

Said Aglovale, " Learn how one of these behaved him :
my most enemy, Sir Gaheris. He trapped Sir Lamorak with
Queen Morgause, and he slew his own mother there and then ;
but he let Sir Lamorak go at that time untouched, because he
was unarmed and weaponless ; with all his savagery he would
not so basely destroy a knightly foe as he were vermin."

She told him that fair knighthood in him would not bring him
to fair favour with King Arthur, for Gawaine and Gaheris were
close to his heart to turn it against him. Much more she said
to goad him on to her purpose ; and still underhand practice
he utterly condemned, and refused her. She sent him away
deploring at last that King Pellinore's son was poor of heart,
not fit and fain to avenge his blood.

So he went from her, not bettered in patience for that
night walk. Gainsaying notwithstanding, he left her passing
fain and fierce in his heart. And he left Sir Griflet, and
rode solitary many a day in evil case, with little relief till he
came to a white abbey, and there within to the tomb of Nacien
the Hermit. There his heat was allayed, and died low with
weeping.

In after days that Queen recluse set on another kinsman,
Sir Pinel le Savage, to compass vengeance underhand. He
whom I love so much has written that tale : how he purveyed
empoisoned apples for Gawaine to eat; but another, a good
knight of the Round Table, Sir Patrise of Ireland, took and
ate first and died suddenly. Also how Queen Guenever was
suspected and appealed of that treason, how Sir Launcelot
fought and delivered her clear of the charge, and how in the
end the truth was made known by the Lady of the Lake,
Nimue.

152 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

But some years later the Queen of the Waste Lands was
satisfied, and thanked God that she had lived to see the day of
King Arthur's desolation, when all the sons of Lot were slain.
And when Sir Bedevere carried the King wounded from the
last battle, came she with the two wicked Queens who hated
him — the Queen of North Galis, and his sister, Queen Morgan
le Fay ; and they three took keep of King Arthur to ensure
that he should die and not live on by enchantment. Came
Nimue from the Lake in vain, for she could not prevail to
deliver him. So he died, and they buried him.

CHAPTER XV

NOW comes the telling how Aglovale in the great Quest
was near destroyed, and how he was tempted to
vengeance.

He was come among fens east of the Waste Lands. A
youth made up to him, and asked his aid for the love of God,
and for his knightly vows ; and when Aglovale promised and
went with him, lo ! naught higher was to do than to take up a
poor woman, aged and blind, and carry her across a mile of
quag.

" Well," said Aglovale, grim, " I will do my best by you
both," and forthwith taught the youth thoroughly he should not
to paltry ends so invoke God and his betters ; and then he took
up the woman, she whimpering.

" There, peace ! " panted the youth, sturdily ; and with a
wry grin, " As I said, one way or another, my back could serve
to get you home. So 'tis all one ; another way this ; but a
shorter."

" Good speed," said Aglovale, " to a man worth the making,"
and the youth stepped out before him at his tallest.

The quaking green let down the feet deep to the roots ot
the rushes. Then came exchanges of sodden turf and water,
black and slimey. Over foul or firm the guide trod confidently
his narrow way. Most times, he said, the path held good enough,
save here and there ; but now a broken dyke above had let
down an overcharge. He showed how the path was staked out
at dangerous places, where underfoot, he said, sheaves of cut
rushes were piled and matted against the sucking mud below,
woven from side to side with growing reeds.

153

154 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Beyond the quag, where the ground rose firmer, lay a fair
sheet of water, closed by a screen of grey willow and poplar.
At the tail stood a little mill. Here Aglovale put down his
charge, who lowly commended him to Heaven for his reward.
The youth, comely behaved, to set him on his way, went by
him through the willows to the head of the water. On a raft
was the miller, an old man stone deaf, spreading nets below
the bank. There Aglovale dismissed him, and turned into a
green ride.

A rude shrine hard by drew his heart, that was heavy then
beyond custom. Upon crazy posts it was reared from flooding,
and to keep back cattle a wattled fence enclosed it. The damp
of the place had greened the Christ on the rood, the thatch
above, and all the planks save patches where foot and knee
had pressed. Aglovale stayed, and mournfully gazed on the
image of his Lord. Cried his heart : Fairest Lord Christ, shall
I never be called to any hard thing for the love of Thee !

Came a clank of steel. So loud rained the noise of poplar
leaves, he doubted his ears ; but soon he could espy under the
boughs two knights at watch, who, upon his sighting, broke
from cover and set forward against him with levelled spears.
Hastily Aglovale made ready, and met the foremost so equally
that both spears flew ; and as the second came after, he avoided
the spear, caught him by the helm as he passed, and pulled
him from the saddle.

" Foul fighters," he cried, and trampled him down without
scruple, till the first returned furiously to assail him. Soon the
second, mounted again, joined. Aglovale cried shame; they
answered never, but gave hard strokes ; and like hunting wolves
they kept to him as he spurred and wheeled in vain to take
them apart. Up and down the battle drove till under the
poplars by the water they pressed him close, and one caught
his revenge, pulling him down from the saddle and trampling
over him in turn.

He was hard to vanquish yet, and rose fighting to his feet.

" Light down, coward knights, or I hough your beasts."

Neither answered, nor called on him to yield. On foot

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 155

they came against him together, and gave him no rest. He
was wounded and breathless, but fierce and ready still, when a
cunning stroke sent his sword leaping in air. It lodged over-
head in the boughs. Before he could plead, he was beaten
down, stunned.

Spoke one to the other then, " He is not slain. Make we
an end quickly."

From the prostrate man he pulled off the helm. " This is
not Sir Percivale," he cried, " but black." He turned the face
to view, and cursed. " This is Sir Aglovale."

Aglovale, coming to his senses, heard one say, " I began to
doubt. His left-hand work was too strong to be Sir Percivale's."
Then the other laughed, " Truly, I was never so loth to end an
enemy. His living did all so blemish his house."

Up he started to his feet. " Now I know you. Murderers,
felons ! You are Lot's sons, Gaheris and Agravaine."

With his empty fists he struck frantically. Suddenly he
gripped Agravaine, and staggered him backward some paces.
Gaheris cried warning, and sprang to rescue, seeing that the
desperate man made for the water, there to take one foe with
him to death. His stroke was in vain : the struggling pair lost
footing on the turf, and fell, locked together on the verge, in
such peril that Gaheris put both hands to his brother. Aglovale
caught him by the leg, and pulled him down also. Grovelling
and sprawling one on another, they turned and heaved, and
changed ground. Blows fell, dull blows. It was clownish
work; and when it was over and Aglovale lay still, Gaheris
himself misliked sight of the disfigurement he had done.

" Hold your hand, brother," said Agravaine. " By God !
he shall drown. Give him that he chose with a stone at his
neck to boot."

" Well, well," said Gaheris, " get him out of sight," and he
turned his back.

They made too sure of their foe. As Agravaine hefted a
stone, quick rose Aglovale and ran. Swift to the open ride he
fled, and as swift pursued the murderers. Favel left grazing
and came to him as with something of human understanding.

156 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The saddle he gained, but no stirrup hold, when Gaheris
slashed at the reins. Wounded in the neck, the poor beast
reared, snorting, bolt upright, and Aglovale, flung to earth, heard
his last hope thud away.

They bound him then; with his own girdles they bound
down his arms, and haled him back for his sworn death. He
did not ask a better, sure he might ask in vain. But passing
again the shrine, he hung back.

" You murderers," he said, " as you be Christian men, grant
me a little space here to take my leave of this world."

Lightly they showed how truly Christian men they were ;
for they led him and handed him up the crazy steps, and there
they bowed themselves meetly in thanks to Heaven that no
hurt was theirs from the battle.

Shocked with wonder and disgust, they knew that Aglovale
was weeping. Leaning his battered head to rest on the
wooden Christ, he wept, so heavily that he hardly could stay
upright.

" This I cannot abide," muttered Gaheris, and claimed the
pitious wretch for his end. On the image he saw as it were
the wounded side bleeding afresh. He knew the same blood
was on his gauntlet. Strangely that rubbed a conscience hard
as stone.

Aglovale yielded like a sheep to their leading. Foul of
face with bruises, blood, and weeping, as sorry a spectacle he
gave his enemies as any they ever had put from the light of the
sun. He spoke no more at all, either for curse or prayer, and
he cast not any looks of fear or defiance. Only when he was
brought to the water, one quick turn he made, and lifted his
eyes on all creation round. Then his murderers thrust him
down to his knees, and buckled a great stone fast about his
neck by the slings of his shield. Half strangled he was as
down to the water they launched him to death.

Gaheris and Agravaine stood to see the bubbles of life rise
and break.

" Enough — come hence ! " said Gaheris, and took his way
hastily.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 157

" Would to God," he cried, " we had done this business
more cleanly."

Said Agravaine, " Like a wild beast he fought ; like a very
tame beast he died."

Lo ! how the body of Aglovale had not reached its destined
grave, nor his soul gone down to Hell !

Two scared watchers, perdue among the rushes, soon as
the murderers withdrew, sped out their raft and slunk round to
resume their nets, praying for a take great and marvellous. So
as they prayed and drew, the drawlines strained tight, and the
net stakes bent to a heavy weight, and back into light and air
came the new sunk body huddled and limp. So quick was the
work that one heard the murderers' voices as he cut away the
stone ; and full in sight they rode when a covered bale that
was not corn swung aloft for storage in the mill.

Now, on stripping the body for life or death, the cilice
upon it brought wonder.

" Mercy," shivered the youth, " is here that dreadful body
again ! " He bared the side, and beheld the wound fresh
broken.

Said the deaf miller, " Now leave these dumps ! He is yet
alive ; for see, blood creeps from his wounds."

The first of life that Aglovale knew again, was pain that
greatly exceeded what he knew of dying. Sound was un-
familiar; it was the big droning of. the wheel below. What
human kindness tended him ?

" Brose ! " he said. Unfamiliar objects rocked his brain,
and a figure that was not Brose. " Bennet ! " he muttered.
" Is it Bennet— here ? "

"Sir, my name is Hew — he that you taught so hard
to-day."

So he knew himself yet in the teeth of the old world.

Now, when Aglovale came to hear how he had been
recovered from death by these two simple folk, and how they
had watched all the villainous work, for false worldly pride he
repented hard that any should have seen him weep like a
woman in the face of death. Alas and fie ! his deadly enemies

158 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

had it to tell among themselves, how, body and soul, one son
of King Pellinore was so lost and overcome.

" Sir," entreated Hew, " be content to lie as you are. This
is poor lodging, but safe when we take up the ladder. And
for your horse, I have brought it again, and stowed it safe
in a covert; so if those murderers repass they can know
nothing."

Yes, he said further, he dreaded their return ; for on the
flats the water rose, so he knew the dyke had given once more,
and by the way they had gone, must they come again.

Often he looked out, and with the last of the daylight saw,
far off across the quag, the pair upon horses, white and black.

He told Sir Aglovale, quavering, " So as I said, they do
come, but not as they went. Oh, sir, they come in peril of
their lives, and know it not."

At that, Aglovale stood up and came to the window ; and
as he looked out into twilight grey, and saw how his two
enemies stood in the treacherous place, for very hate and
exultation his heart beat so thick that his knees failed under
him and knocked the ground.

" Now the water stands higher than when we crossed," said
Hew, low ; " and night comes, and they have no guide."

" Think not to go," said Aglovale, and grasped him hard.

" I— I dare not," he faltered.

A tiny point of blue flame shone as the dusk deepened.

" Look, look ! The demon is up for their guide."

In came the old miller. A lighted candle was in his hand,
and he came solemn and set it in a socket over the sill, and,
kneeling down, prayed aloud on the mercy of God for all poor
sinners who went benighted by foul ways. Aglovale started
up, and stood away. All the window frame and the shutters,
he saw, were rudely blotted with black and white, meant to
show the good and the wicked going to their end, and above
was the Lamb Almighty. His prayer ended, the old man rose
and went thence, indifferent.

Said Hew, "He knows not how fitly he prays. This is
according to his custom and his vow. Once he was belated

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 159

with drink, and yonder demon with the light rose to have him
body and soul. In mortal terror then he called on his Maker ;
and by chance one set a light here in this window, and so by
that mark he bore and came alive. And thereafter he altered
his life goodly ; and thus nightly he lights and pays his devo-
tions. God help us all," said Hew, " from so horrible a life's
end."

" Deliver me from hearing such prayers ! " said Aglovale,
and cursed hard.

" God knows what cause you have so to speak," faltered
the youth; "but for no cause will I hear. Were those the
wickedest alive, I would I could help their poor bodies in so
hideous a strait, for the love of God who died even for the
sake of wicked souls."

Then he went. Aglovale staggered to the head of the
ladder, softly closed and fastened the trap after him, and came
again to the window.

The shades had quite lost him the sight of his enemies,
and nothing showed on the blank expanse save the flicker of
blue flame, now brisk and clear. Somewhere below he could
hear the youth bawling to deaf ears ; then outgoings ; then a
thin, high note that was ceaseless as the old woman wailed
prayers.

In him was no grain of pity at all ; but cruel hate burnt in
him like lust, and he shivered and ached with the passion of it.
Had father and brethren not died, himself had cause enough.
Gaheris had counselled to hang him, had exacted a grievous
penance in lieu. Agravaine had been forward above all, as
he knew, with laugh and jest speaking to his discredit, that
it might live and not diminish. And him that was a King's
son they had pounded, and strangled, and drowned like a
churl. And him they had seen weep before death. Why
had he so wept ?

On the sill, under his hands, all black were draughted the
devils of the pit. Up the posts ranged black and white, the
good and evil, on their ways to the white symbol overhead.

Came a sound out of the night, very faint from a distance.

160 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

It was the voice of his enemies' distress, a rapture to hear.
He reached out, took the candle from its socket, threw it far,
and laughed.

Crouched in the darkness, Aglovale groaned and weltered,
and bit the wooden sill, as with all his will he tried to forget
how he had cried: Ah! fair Lord Christ, shall I never be
called to any hard thing for the love of Thee? To cover
remembrance, he prayed on the names of father and brothers
slain. By villainous murder had they died ; their bodies were
hacked and pierced on every side. He never had doubted
who were the murderers; now, by the practice of these two
upon himself, was their way known.

Now and again he heard calls lift, faint and afar. Once a
horse squealed.

Lamorak ! Lamorak ! Durnor ! Ah, heart of gold,
Durnor !

Ah, fair Lord Christ, this is too hard for me !

Yet after no great while he stood up from his knees, and,
pausing neither to look nor listen, hastily made for the ladder.
Groping, he found sacking that he did on for clothing, for he
was nearly naked. At the ladder's foot the shocked face of
Hew fronted him.

" Haste ! " he said, " follow me out with a light ! " And
quickly Hew, with a flaming pine, overtook him, breathless and
amazed. He took the torch, and stepped down to the quag.

" Ah ! sir, let be," cried Hew. " Are you possessed ? One
devil out there is enough."

He dared to cross his path and snatch at the light ; failing,
he held him with all his might. So weak was Aglovale he could
not break away.

" Child, let go," he said. " Let see if I may yet save."

" In the name of God ! Save ! This cannot be ! "

" In the name of God this may be."

Hew kneeled, and held him by the knees.

" Oh, Sir Aglovale, it is vain. You cannot. See how the
water lies high. You will perish. Sir, you have escaped death
that man did contrive ; but yonder will a demon contrive your

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 161

death ; yonder, dead men rise by night and seek for fellows.
Not for all this world would I dare there by night-time."

But Aglovale only cried, " Off! off! In the name of God
I go ! " and left the youth sobbing and worshipping to the
ground.

" To his murderers ! What a deed. Oh, mighty goodness !
Oh, mighty heart ! "

Cried Agravaine in extremity, " A hand ! Oh, brother, now
or never reach to me. Quick, I am gone."

" Be strong and strive. Heaven grants us help. A light
moves hither."

" A demon light. Trust not again."

" Keep heart ; a good ruddy light."

" God help you, brother ! I cannot last."

" We live or perish both," cried Gaheris, and quitted his
floundering horse to make for Agravaine's voice. At every
step the quagmire sucked on him harder. He touched a
sunken pile.

" Give voice. I am near with good hold."

" Here. To the neck. Help, help ! What draws at my
feet ! Gaheris — oh, brother, I perish."

Desperate, Gaheris loosed his stay and struggled out. He
reached Agravaine's hand, but what force he took to draw him
only served to sink himself the deeper.

So they were, helpless, as the light came near. They could
see him that bore it cowled like a monk.

" Haste ! For the love of God, help soon, or we are
dead men."

How could one save, so weak and drained by the hurts
they had given him.

" For the love of God essay," cried Gaheris, " as I shall
warn you, to keep your life and ours."

So Aglovale felt for the stakes where Hew had showed
them, fixed his pine to flare secure, pushed on to the deeper
mire, and soon, by word from Gaheris, put hand on the sunken
pile, having but to reach a man's length to meet the other's
grasp. There one hand he bound fast to the wood, since
M

162 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

all he could lend was a body void of strength. He stretched
himself out to the murderers of his house. Gaheris caught his
fingers.

Void of strength, in spirit he was utterly ashamed, as over-
taken in the practice of treason. With averted head he left
the use of his members to them. Their great weight wrung
him, his joints started, his wounds gaped and bled at the strain.
Body and mind were in dolorous accord. From his hand to
his neck they reached their way in turn; with dreadful em-
braces they reached their way.

Gaheris groped to unbind his left hand. " Mercy ! the
pains we have cost; this is out of joint. Now, God aid my
poor skill," he said, and deliverly shot home the socket.

Firm standing they made together. No word did Aglovale
speak, while the brothers gasped thankings and praise to God,
to him, and to each other.

Said Gaheris distressed, " Credit me that I knew not how
hard we used you. I am sorry beyond words. Give here
your hand."

He had to get it by force. Gently he handled it and
bound it well. He bound it with what he found in his hand —
a length of stained linen. In wonder he scanned the man
hard. No monk ; his hood was the doubled corners of a sack,
his clothing a beggarly tabard of sackcloth. He made no
moan nor answer, and his visage he kept turned to the dark.
How he did tremble !

Gaheris, with humid eyes and a troubled voice, com-
plained. " At this expense," he said, " we two have our lives.
Begrudge us not so much. God reward your good deed, and
show us means to requite you as well."

He could get no answer.

Aglovale took up his torch, and, as the brothers prayed
him, lighted them, while with much ado and some risk they
went about and recovered their horses. With much ado and
some risk then they toiled after him, on the most evil path
ever they had traversed.

At the end where the ground rose, suddenly Aglovale

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 163

quenched the light and took himself away in the darkness.
They called after him in vain. One with a boyish voice came
in his stead.

" Who calls ? Are you men alive ? "

Where had gone their guide ? they questioned fast.

" I will be your guide," said Hew, " as there is no other."

" What is this ! Saw you no man go past ? He that carried
a light before us over the quag ? "

" Over the quag ! God forbid that I should see any such.
Sirs, what tale is here ? Those that go with lights upon the
quag are none but demons and dead men."

" Oh me, brother ! " said Agravaine. " I begin to doubt.
He might not speak nor show his face ; and now, I think, the
shine of him was part redder than of torchlight.

Said Hew, " Then this is God's truth j he that you saw was
none other than a murdered man."

" He was not dead," said Gaheris. " I held him with my
arms, and felt him breathe hard. I held his hand, and set his
bones. Bodies that rise from the dead cannot be subject to
hurt and disjointing."

At that Hew without pretence was excited to weeping.

"What ails the little fool?"

" Ah sir, I am afraid. Here is a miracle of such a sort,
I am afraid. Sir, I swear as all of this: country-side will tell you,
there is none among them who would go so far to help you
as you say one has done."

" Sooth, and no reproach to them," said Agravaine.

While so they argued Aglovale had reached the ladder
unseen, and mounted, weary, weak, and confused, to take
refuge in quiet and darkness.

He came into light, and there faced him the old miller in
a craze of anger.

"Whose dastard trick was this to make darkness? Was
it yours ? "

He nodded.

" Out, out you go ! Ah, villain knight ! This day, by
the order of God's mercy, you escaped death marvellously,

164 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

and lo ! here is spite without mercy in return. Out you go !
Wag not at me your head and your hand so ! I pity you
not, nor fear you. Able enough are you to go to and fro on
your own foul mischief. I want no quittance more of you
than that you quit this roof. Go gnash your teeth in darkness
as the preachers bode. Ah, base knight ! those steel casings
are the best part of such knighthood as yours. Out, out, I say.
This place is mine, and I will have none of you, nor of your
gear. There, helm of a damned head ! There, shield of a
black heart ! "

Shield, helm, harness of all pieces, he cast out of window
as he railed ; and as Aglovale, defenceless, confounded, turned
and went, railing he followed him, down to the outer door,
and shut it upon him.

Sick and stunned, Aglovale crept away. Sound of distant
going came faint, as Hew wiled the knights from his retreat.
Then grew up the quiet of night, and all was hush. The willows
scarcely stirred overhead as the unhappy outcast dragged on
his painful way, he knew not where. Even the poplars were
light at their whispers. Not a ripple lapped. Low down the
moon shone, round and large, under a height of motionless
cloud. This was the place of murder.

He began to rock and to mutter, " Ashamed, ashamed. I
am utterly ashamed."

The ways of nature and man he had abandoned, and done
mercy outrageously. All the world might despise him. Alas,
alas ! who did countenance him? Nothing but abject shame
answered from within.

He stumbled on a little way, finding his ground. " Here
did Sir Gaheris smite me barefaced;" and a little further,
" Here did they both together beat me down unarmed ; " and
still further, "Here did Sir Agravaine trample me." From
the poplar shadows he crept along to the open, now glistening
misty-white, moon-struck, and dewy. " Here along they
brought me again bound — me — weeping." And no further.
" O Lord Christ Jesu look upon me, as Thou knowest my
cause for weeping ! "

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 165

He was come to the poor shrine, and as he tried to mount,
near swooning for pain and weakness, his footing slipped and
he pitched to the ground below. There he lay weeping for
anguish and despair. Yet Nacien had told him, Dread not
that He should turn away and refuse.

" Ah, fair Lord Christ ! show me Thy face, even me. It
was a hard thing to do. It was hard. Dost Thou not know
how hard, and how to serve Thee I did it ? Lo, the blood of
father and brothers called on me for vengeance. Didst not
Thou, bleeding from the rood, bid me to mercy ? Lord, look
upon me. I am confounded with shame who meant to please
Thee. So hard it was to do. Though I be of the lost, show
once Thy face to my heart."

Weeping and supplicating, he leaned and kneeled from stair
to stair, and came before the holy rood. All dark it hung in
shade, denied to his eyes that were dazzled and blind with
moonshine and wet.

" Rue on me, O blessed Lover of poor man ! Rue on me
— on me who do love ! "

In his passion of despair and desire he started up; he
touched the image with head and hand, stronger to importune
than to stand.

"Dear God, approve me this once. Comfort me. My
Lord, my God ! "

Heaven descended as with miracle. In his hold the image
moved ; the outstretched arm of it parted from the cross, and
from shade extended above him — the head of it inclined into
light.

" My Lord, my God ! " cried Aglovale, and swooned away
for perfect bliss as his heart conceived the embrace of divine
Love condescending to approve him.

CHAPTER XVI

WHEN Aglovale came to himself he was resting in a
world too bright and fair for him to remember. He
knew not that where he fell there he still lay, nor that
the night he woke from was some days long.

In mild lucent shade he lay, for the place was all tented
in from eaves to wattling ; soft he lay upon dried clover, with
pillow of hops and covering of scarlet; like a child he lay,
helpless and untroubled, content to perceive without under-
standing.

Overhead ran a rustle and patter of falling leaves, and
light shadows went dancing down the slant of sun-soaked
cover. The shadow of a bird perched sharp and small, and
sharp and small to hear he trimmed his bill. Came a swell
of wind, and burst open to him a vivid world, sun-struck and
merry, with yellow leaves racing and spinning in gusts. Across
the field moved a lady fair and slender, bending to cull simples
as she went.

His eyes closed to rest, and opened to another day. He
beheld the lady beside him, and she seemed to him like an
habitant of a purer world than ours. Shadowless under the
translucent cover she stood j blond hair set a lightness about
her head ; her quiet, serious eyes shed peace upon him ; with
the sign of the cross she gave salutation, naming him Knight
Misericors. Then she took and served him with a fragrant
bitter drink, strong of fennel. Purple flowers, the crocus of
autumn, lay amid grey folds, dropping on his pillow as she
gave him to drink. There was no recognition in her eyes,

1 66

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 167

yet faintly some memory of her stirred. He closed his eyes
to better it, and sank again to profound sleep.

King Bagdemagus' daughter, looking upon that visage all
bruised and disfigured, with the hawk likeness battered out,
and pondering the achievement of signal goodness, knew not
here Sir Aglovale de Galis, that worst friend of Sir Melia-
graunce, her wild, unhappy brother, him she had almost
hated in her gentle heart. So, her ministration accomplished,
she blessed him to God as he slept, and traced the holy sign
upon his scarred brow, and kissed him thereupon as simply
and purely as may the blessed in fellowship. Then she
departed to go bury her slain father. That story is not here.

When Aglovale woke it was to evening sunlight, and there
beside the tressel that propped his bed sat Hew on the crazy
green steps; and there at large in the open went Favel
browsing. Time and space closed in, and he knew himself
still in the lap of the old world.

The miracle of grace remained to him without amazement ;
profound peace kept his heart. He was not ashamed any
more, nor hated the mercy he had done, nor cared though
men should scorn. And as in contemplation, rapt above pro-
cess of thought, he was satisfied, soft and dear stole in more
perfect understanding of his brother. Like the tender, tremu-
lous point of Hesperus breasting the glow of heaven, stood
Percivale, amid his peace, constant, diffident, sure to approve
him. The hymn of the child and the prayer of Percivale
drifted from the past. " Fairest Lord Jesu, Ruler of all nature,
take Thou my heart ! Thou who hast called me to forsake
my brother, Thee do I worship, fairer than all lights that
heaven can boast."

Verily, in the spirit he unawares had followed after Per-
civale, and nighing the feet of our fair Lord Jesu God, in the
spirit there found him. Like Percivale, renouncing the claims
of blood and affection, obedient in faith, he had turned and
not done that which was right in his own eyes. His reward
was with him in this world. For the miracle of grace re-
mained sure to him, though all delusion wrought of natural

168 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

accidence passed ; the literal marvel fell away lightly, as falls
from the growing bud the sheath that has served its turn.

For right so came the boy Hew, timid and eager, and with
his simple prate he by degrees filled out the blank overpast
to the best of his knowledge. Of the noble lady he told, her
goodness and charity, how Heaven-sent she appeared and
assured his recovery from deep trance, and purveyed that fair
cover in place of rotten rick-cloth. How by the mercy of
God he had been knocked senseless through the giving of a
rust-eaten spike, and so had lain dark till after the night of
fire. Yea so ! how there was now no roof to lay him under ;
for that same night fire took hold on the mill and swept off
the thatch, and he therein might have come to perish had not
God taken keep of his head otherwise.

Then as Sir Aglovale held still saying nothing, the boy,
weeping, spoke for the old man in his unhappiness, who was
too sorry and ashamed to come near unbidden.

" Go bring him," said Aglovale ; and lying alone he saw
above his head the carven rood replaced, and meditated on
the miracle of grace within his heart passing sweet and sure.

Came the old man in crazy extremes of remorse. Sir
Aglovale spoke peace and touched him; still he maundered
pitifully; now saying that the wrath of God burnt his roof
from him since he denied it to such an one ; now saying that
sure his poor ropf had been spared of God had but such an
one rested beneath it ; for he was not as knights are, bloody
and vengeable, but meek and merciful out of reason.

" Cease," said Sir Aglovale, " for you charge God foolishly."
Then he sighed, and said, " With all our foolish presumptions
may Heaven have patience."

In due time he came to hear how Sir Agravaine also pre-
sumed foolishly ; for the youth confessed how he had sped the
deceit as to aid above mortal means. He chafed and rebuked.

" I charge you speak not again on a matter that concerns
you not, lest haply you speak lies unaware. And I counsel
you if ever you meet these knights again, clear your deceit ;
but take heed you name me not."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 169

" Sir, I know not their names."

" Well ! " said Aglovale ; " if that be so, well ! I leave you
your excuse." Then he asked, ' ' Who told you my name ? "

" Sir, have I uttered your name ? " stammered Hew.

" Who told you my name ? "

" I knew you again, Sir Aglovale. Not at first. But seeing
that shirt next your skin, and under your shirt what I saw,
then I knew you. Yea, sir, I am that unlucky wight that you
cursed so, that was witness — would to God I had never seen."

Sir Aglovale turned away his head, and Hew crept away
disheartened, for his worship and his dread were equal and
very great. The blind woman came to serve in his stead.
She ventured a humble petition : Would the noble knight put
his hand on the child and bless him for his comfort.

" Good woman, small comfort lies in blessing of mine."

" Sir, he complains that once you did curse him horribly ;
and sooth he has gone amiss sadly since."

She took up tale from the beginning. When her man
turned his life, he vowed that this grandchild, the last of his
stock, should be put young to a religious life; and when the
boy was but ten years of age, he was taken and given up to
God; and maintenance for old age was also bestowed away
with him their natural prop. Alas ! she said, some of his
worldly wits her good man left behind him in the quag.
Yearly the boy visited them again, but this year he returned
out of season and refused return.

" Came he without licence ? "

She began to whimper: said she made bold to think he
ought not to be enforced to religious life against his will ; said
he was hardly used for no fault ; he was young, tender, soft-
hearted, open to horror; and horror had come upon him in
such sort that his mind was possessed in dreams with terrors
of Hell, so that he could not sleep peaceably. And the Prior,
a hard man, ordained whipping for his cure, till he could
endure no longer, but privily forsook his place and came
away.

" Good woman," said Sir Aglovale, " I think as you do,

170 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

this is some concern of mine. I promise you to do what I
can for remedy."

So the fond woman, deeming he meant intercession with
the stern Prior, took lightly his bidding to Hew, who, taking
up that presumption, came and readily proffered and promised
to amend his fault as Sir Aglovale should order.

But the kindness of Sir Aglovale looked another way.
Plain he read the lack of honesty in the poor youth's admission
of his folly and cowardice.

Said he : "I will well to aid you. There is but one way,
and that you should know as well as I can tell you : go hence
straightway, return again and submit yourself to the Prior."

" But, sir," panted Hew, " he will have me whipped without
mercy."

Said Sir Aglovale, grim, " I do hope so, as you deserve it.
And I do know you are stout enough, for so 1 found you."

Said Hew presently, "Yea so he was, but that was no
remedy to cure him to peace."

" You say sooth," said Sir Aglovale. " It is no remedy
to a spirit diseased. But thus shall you do for your own cure :
pray you nightly for us whom Maker God has the heart to
damn that He make us also heart to be damned in His wor-
ship. An you pray so, honestly and perfectly, that craven
spirit which is devil's scum will no more trouble your rest."

But Hew, even as he stood there considering this saying,
was dimly aware of the source and stand of this counsel ; and
he knew that then and there that craven spirit was stricken
out of him.

" I go," he said.

Then Sir Aglovale taught him a message to the Prior : that
he purposed here to set up a religious house, and prayed and
required his immediate presence for counsel and order. Then
he bade him mount Favel and be speedy.

So Hew departed; and by the time he came again with
the Prior, Sir Aglovale was mended of wounds, bruises, and
disjointing. But the hawk-look was gone from his face, and
he fought left-handed never more.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 171

The Prior rode his mule, but Hew came afoot, for Breuse
Saunce Pile had met them by the way and had taken Favel.

Said Hew ruefully, " Indeed, I could not then lightly avoid
him and flee, being, sir, in no good case for riding at that time
by your favour." And that good hard man the Prior con-
firmed his excuse.

Now hereby shortly Sir Aglovale came to be stinted of
further quest.

So soon as he had ordained and authorized all as he would
with the Prior, he made for Breuse Saunce Pitd to recover
Favel, and by him was shamefully taken and imprisoned.
For he overcame Sir Breuse, who lightly yielded, and, like
the fox he was, promised to make good his loss of Favel,
saying that good horse was done for, broken-backed of a
recent encounter. So, with a show of straight dealing and of
deference, he brought Sir Aglovale to choose from his stables,
where fed the best horses in the realm of Logris. There
sound in hide and limb stood Favel. Sir Aglovale turned
upon the cheat, set foot on a trap prepared, and fell down a
shaft into a cave underground.

There he wore out all the rest of the year sworn to the
Holy Quest, and many a day on. Cut off from the light of
day, from sun and rain and all that grows, from human fellow-
ship, alone with himself, with life past to brood upon, with no
present hope, no pleasant play of the senses to shutter the issue
from this life to another, thus for a year he lived entombed.
The measure of a day went by the pangs of hunger ; the run
of the seasons he told by cold more or less rigorous.

Yet even in these conditions the miracle of grace remained
to him ; the devils of solitude did him no harm ; the blessing
of untroubled sleep never forsook him ; he could lift his heart
in contemplation ; he could spread his mind to the wonder of
great truths; resignation quickened and rose ardent as an
homage rendered ; and ever fields of rare remembrance, sweet
and fresh, were close about him ; and dear and constant held
his belief in communion of heart with Percivale.

Far off in the city of Sarras, Percivale and his two fellows

172 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

were in like case ; they, too, lay imprisoned in a dark hole.
But such grace had they of our Lord that He sent them there
the Holy Grail to sustain them, and so were they fed and
made glad. And at the end of that imprisonment they came
forth to glory and worship, as my most dear Master tells.

Not so Sir Aglovale. At the end of his imprisonment he
came forth to another lot.

CHAPTER XVII

SIR BREUSE SAUNCE PITE was a valiant scoundrel
who for choice fought cowardly and unknightly, and ever
escaped by the speed of his horse, till the day came
when Kay the Seneschal matched him and took him. For Sir
Kay knew his manner of old ; and so when a knight started
suddenly from cover, and bore down upon him before he
could feutre his spear, he thought he should know him, and
accordingly met him foully for his part ; he avoided the spear
and slew the knight's good horse. And that was Favel.

" Now," said Kay, " there shall be fighting to the finish."
And he lighted down fairly, tied up his horse, and went to
blows with Sir Breuse so heartily that within an hour he had
him wounded on his knees praying mercy.

" By no means," said Kay, " so fight on or die. I know
you for Sir Breuse Saunce Pitd, and no pity shall you get
of me."

"Ah, gentle knight, spare me as a knight overcome and
yielden to your mercy."

" By no means," said Kay. " Know that I am Sir Kay the
Seneschal, who am ever called ungentle, and reck naught of
being so called." Therewith he rashed off the helm of Breuse
Saunce Pit£ to have stricken off his head.

" Hold hand," cried Breuse, " or you slay one that is your
fellow." Then he told how he had prisoner a knight of the
Round Table and a king's son ; and except Sir Kay spared his
life, his brother Sir Bertelot would certainly for vengeance slay
that knight.

173

174 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Now, Sir Breuse was a liar who aforetime had given out
a wrong name for a trick on a knight of the Round Table, so
Kay, with some suspicion, asked who was the knight.

" Sir Aglovale de Galis, son and brother to King Pellinore
and Sir Lamorak."

" Sir Aglovale de Galis is Sir Aglovale de Galis," said Kay,
shortly.

His sword was itching in his hand, howbeit he paused to
consider. Breuse was a liar on double suspicion ; for Sir Kay,
from the unguarded mouth of Sir Agravaine, had a certain
suspicion of his own on the fate of Sir Aglovale.

" Well," said Kay, " I will strike no bargain, but I will see
your knight."

He bound Sir Breuse, mounted and walked him away to
his own castle gates to see out his game.

Came Sir Bertelot the one-handed to the wicket for parley ;
and soon Sir Aglovale was had up again from that hole into
the light of day. So there they were, two and two : Sir
Bertelot and Sir Aglovale on the one side, Sir Kay and Sir
Breuse on the other, and the barred wicket between.

Sir Aglovale came out of long darkness bleached as white
as bone, beard and hair untrimmed, gaunt with hunger, scowl-
ing with narrowed eyes unaccustomed to light, and scarred and
disfigured withall. Through the pales Sir Kay examined him
as he shrank from the light, and he laughed upon him for
a fraud.

"No, Sir Breuse, you win not your life by this means.
This is not Sir Aglovale de Galis, as I had cause for to doubt."

11 Sir, you mistake. I am Sir Aglovale de Galis."

" I know better. This is too paltry a sham ! "

" Sir, I am he indeed ; and you, I think, are my fellow Sir
Kay the Seneschal."

Sir Kay looked close again and could not know him. Still
Sir Aglovale affirmed.

" I will see," said Kay. " Here, Sir Bertelot, take in here
this your brother's sword, stand off and toss it to your
prisoner."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 175

So he did, and Sir Aglovale caught it with his right
hand.

" Disproof ! " said Kay, " for Sir Aglovale was left-handed.'1

" I was. I have lost the play of that hand."

Sir Kay paid no heed, but turned upon Sir Breuse and
swung out his sword. Sir Bertelot on his side did likewise.

" Speak ! Speak out, Sir Aglovale, for my life and your
own ! "

" Villain, no. I will not speak for your life."

At that Sir Kay turned short and looked again. He was
sure by his eyes, yet still he paused.

" I will make sure. Strip your man shirtless. I will see
what record he has on his skin."

So Sir Bertelot did, and, as Sir Kay bade, put Sir Aglovale
backward and close to view. Plain enough he bore such
marks as Sir Kay himself brought away from Sir Turquine.

" Well, well," said Kay, " so it is Sir Aglovale de Galis !
So it is ! Howbeit, Sir Breuse, as to your life I made no
bargain."

He hung awhile this way and that with his sword, for he
greatly desired to make an end of Breuse Saunce Pite', and he
cared not a rap for Sir Aglovale, and begrudged him fellow-
ship. And yet it was shame to the Round Table to rate
rescue of a fellow so low against riddance of such vermin as
Breuse Saunce Pite. Sir Bertelot watched him with his sword
ready also.

Said Kay, very glum, He was sorry Sir Aglovale was his
fellow ; as it was so he must needs leave alive Sir Breuse
Saunce Pite\

While Sir Aglovale was made ready to be delivered,
washed, fed, armed, Sir Kay waited with Sir Breuse under
sword ; and ever he cursed and fumed while he waited, savage
as a mastiff robbed of his bone.

Back to the wicket Sir Bertelot brought Sir Aglovale upon
question after Favel ; and Sir Breuse declared that now, indeed,
Favel was slain, and charged on Sir Kay a wanton slaughter.
He avowed it with a snarl.

176 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Said Aglovale, grieved, " That was ill done to slay a good
horse without necessity."

" Say you so ! " cried Kay, in a heat, " you who come to
deliverance by these means ! " Then he eased his spleen with
language, telling he had little joy of that bargain he had
made.

" Gramercy, fair sir," said Aglovale, " I am greatly beholden
to you. Nathless, I would the means were of clean knight-
hood, and more to your worship."

" O Hell ! " cried Kay. " Sir Aglovale de Galis to prate
to me of clean knighthood ! Well, well, Sir Breuse, you have
your life passing cheap. As for Sir Aglovale, an he like not
the means to his deliverance, he may stay and rot. For I
care not to take him up, and I leave him on your hands."

Therewith Sir Kay turned his back, cursing his bootless
ado ; he mounted, and no prayer moved him ; he rode away
and left Sir Aglovale to the wrong side of the wicket.

Breuse Saunce Pitd on his side stumbled to the wicket and
leaned, and he and his brother looked after Sir Kay till he was
out of sight, dumb from blank amazement. Then Breuse
turned round, and looked in upon the discarded knight with
a laugh. Then Sir Bertelot put hand upon Sir Aglovale
and drew him back, and Sir Breuse came in reeling like a
drunken man ; and he laughed like a drunken man as he
came and put hand upon him also. They held him up between
them, for he could scarcely stand ; and they looked at him,
and they looked at each other, and cursed a little softly.

" Now, fair brother," said Sir Bertelot, " give me leave to
do what I will with this knight."

" Nay, nay," said Breuse Saunce Pile', " but I will do what
I will with him."

" So be it. I hold it will be all one."

Said Sir Breuse, soberly, " Sir Aglovale, I have no will to
keep you any longer prisoner."

Said Sir Bertelot, soberly, " Yea, my mind is to set you
free."

Sir Aglovale took their words in a sense, stunned and heavy,

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 177

past pleading ; and Sir Bertelot, seeing how it was, thrust wide
the wicket before him.

" Oh, men on earth are devils ! " said Aglovale. " Ye !
make an end of this cruel play."

Said Sir Breuse, "Truly, fair sir, your life has stood me
for mine. Yea, though you would not speak for mine, it has !
Take your life to your own keeping again, as is fair."

Said Sir Bertelot, " Fair sir, your case sticks us men. Go
your ways after Sir Kay and give to him my brother's title."

" O Maker of marvels ! " said Aglovale, faintly. " Good-now !
Give room, sirs, and let me kneel."

Said Sir Bertelot, as he kneeled down, " While you are at
it, Sir Aglovale, tell God Almighty we two are not quite so bad
as He thinks."

For further proof they provided him a horse as good as
Favel. He accorded no thanks, and they pretended no further
compunction.

" 'Tis pity," said Sir Aglovale, " that ye have not set your-
selves to be noble knights and to eschew villainy. Sooth, after
this year of pondering your exceeding villainy, I marvel
wherefore ye deal now so fairly."

Said Sir Breuse, " I will tell you. Sir Kay has beaten me
out and out."

Said Sir Bertelot, " A manner of fellowship, fair sir ; you
have no such name yourself, to boast your noblesse upon us."

So they flung words a little, rather stark than courteous,
and Sir Aglovale departed.

He had ridden but a furlong down from the castle when
a knight came riding hard, who cried defiance, smote him
down, and bade him rise and do battle. He was weak as
a child, and straight he offered to yield.

" Ah, coward, will you have it so ! " cried the other, and,
leaping upon him, rashed off his helm. " Now, villain, which-
ever you be, I will slay you, or you shall deliver up your
prisoner, Sir Aglovale de Galis."

" Content you, fair sir. Here I deliver him up. I am Sir
Aglovale."
N

178 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Take keep how you say, lest I answer upon your body
you are not Sir Aglovale, but one of two villains, Sir Breuse or
Sir Bertelot."

" Patience, sir, and spare me. Sir Breuse and Sir Bertelot
have proved by me that they are not utterly villainous, for
they have set me at large."

" This telling is hard to believe. On the faith of your
body, are you indeed Sir Aglovale?"

" Faith, I am he. Sir Kay has proved and found by my
body who I am ; and you, as I suppose, have met with Sir
Kay."

That was so. The knight told his name : Sir Gareth
of Orkney, King Arthur's nephew. And he told how he came.
As he hove at conjecture beside a dead horse, Sir Kay came
by, who cursed and deplored because he had taken Breuse
Saunce Pitd to slay, and Sir Aglovale de Galis had hindered,
so he had to let him go. But Sir Gareth, when he understood
how he had deserted his fellow, left him hastily, and rode to
rescue. For that one son of Lot was altogether noble and
gentle, and he took no part with his brothers in murder and
vengeance, nor was he ever of their counsel.

" Now, Sir Aglovale, I require you to take my bidding at
this time. Give over to me your shield, your helm, and your
horse, and take mine instead."

" What you will, sir, I am yielden," said Aglovale, and did
as he bade.

So with that change they set on together, and rode a good
pace till they came nigh after Sir Kay, going his way softly.

" Now will I teach this old shrew," said Gareth.

Kay looked back, and thought he knew who were these two
coming hard after him. Hastily he made ready, for lo ! Sir
Aglovale cried defiance and feutred his spear, and Sir Gareth
hove aside.

Down went Sir Kay at the shock of onset, and measured
the ground a spear's length behind his horse, greatly astonished
to be so worsted of Sir Aglovale. When he made to rise he
was trampled down again, for the horse that was of Sir

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 179

Breuse's training took his rider unawares, plunging upon the
prostrate knight.

"Ah, Sir Gareth, do you look on to see this unknightly
practice ? "

Neither answered him, and he got to his feet enraged.

" I saved you your life, despicable knight though you be !
Would I had slain Breuse Saunce Pit£ without scruple. Then
had the world been well rid of two blots at once. Light down
and fight, or I hough that beast an I get the chance."

So down afoot they fought lustily till first breath.

" Now hold hand," said Kay. " Sir Breuse, I know, never
kept this fighting cock. So as I know you, Sir Gareth, I yield
you the battle, to be quit of this maugre and pretence."

" Not so easy ! " said Gareth. " I quit you not save upon
conditions ; for you have done shamefully to leave a fellow of
ours to perilous misery."

" Well, well ! What conditions ? "

" First that you take keep of Sir Aglovale, as he is too
wasted with misery to take keep of himself, and follow after
him from this time forward till he come safe and sound to the
court of King Arthur ; and there, secondly, shall you truly and
fully rehearse your doings ; and, thirdly, naming your name Sir
Kay Saunce PiteV'

Said Kay, " So be it. As for your naming, I care naught ;
and as for rehearsing, I need not your telling ; and as for Sir
Aglovale, I will answer for him. Forsooth he has not the face
to answer for himself, as Breuse Saunce Pite' has turned him
out."

Said Aglovale, "Sir, you charge him wrongly. Another
defaced me so, or ever Sir Breuse took me."

" Say you so ! " said Gareth. " And have you had encounter
with worse than Sir Breuse Saunce Pitd ? "

" Forbear to ask upon this, for I list not to tell you."

" Ho ! " said Kay. " Take not these mumps afore our
lord Arthur, as he will have all adventures of the Quest told
upon oath, and put upon record."

But the matter fell out not as Kay supposed.

180 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The year of the Quest was long overpast when Aglovale
came in again to his place. Most of the fellowship had
returned for the ensuing feast of Pentecost. Some never
returned at all : not Tristram, who abandoned the Quest for his
love, and King Mark slew him; not Dinadan, for he loved
Lamorak, and so the sons of Lot slew him; not Uwaine, Arthur's
nephew by his sister Morgan le Fay, him Gawaine slew
unhappily, not knowing his best cousin and friend ; not King
Bagdemagus, him also Gawaine slew.

Sir Galahad had not returned, nor his two fellows, Sir
Percivale and Sir Bors. Sir Launcelot had lately come in;
for half a year he had sailed the seas with Galahad his son, in
the ship that bore the dead body of the maiden Saint ; he and
Sir Pelleas and none other of the fellowship had come nigh to
the Holy Mystery all had sought, and they in presence but
dimly had perceived.

Among the dead was Sir Aglovale already reckoned when
he came in with Sir Kay. Many of his fellows looking him in
the face did not know him. Gaheris came near and looked
upon him, and for the moment did not know him by his own
handiwork. Then said one in his hearing, "That is Sir
Aglovale ! By his walk I know him. Who would know him
by his face ! " Gaheris turned sharp, and lo ! his dead man it
was indeed who came by and set living eyes against him.

The murderer kept his countenance, and no sign betokened
confusion save a slight ebb of colour to the stroke of surprise,
and a heightened flush to a touch of shame. As for Aglovale,
he was all unmoved from the heart out; neither shame nor
resentment remained to him; indifferently he admired the
firmness of the man.

Sir Gaheris looked about for his brother Agravaine. He
found him with Sir Kay at him, railing against their brother
Sir Gareth, who, he said, had despitefully induced him to under-
take dog's work, to follow and safeguard Sir Aglovale de
Galis.

" Go to ! Did he bid you go to Hell ? " said Agravaine, and
laughed.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 181

" Not so fast. Sir Aglovale is no further there than here."

" Show him if you can ! "

Sir Gaheris heard, and he gave in his word. " Yea, it is so.
I have seen him to know him in spite of appearances."

Sir Agravaine caught back his laugh, wheeled about as
Gaheris nodded him, and saw for himself. He muttered, " O
gracious Hell ! " and shut his mouth. Sir Kay won nothing
more to confirm his guess.

Apart together they turned to each other face-fallen.

Said Agravaine, " Here is shame to me that he has that life
of his."

Said Gaheris, " Here is shame to me that he has that face
of his. Would to God we had done that business more
cleanly ! "

Said Agravaine, "There will be heat presently when he
is sworn and taken down for record."

Said Gaheris, " Yea, doubtless. And now I shall be at his
call to have ado with him. I have no stand to refuse him like
the carrion he is, after this foul bungling of ours. Would to
God I had never touched the beast ! "

Said Agravaine, "Would to God we had put him away
more surely ! Yet how he came alive passes all wit to guess.
Well, after the supper we shall hear."

But the matter fell out not as they supposed.

King Arthur sat in hall when Sir Aglovale came before him,
and he knew him at once by the eyes of Pellinore. Mildly
he looked upon him, and he spoke with unwonted gentleness ;
said he had doubted heavily upon his long absence ; said he
was glad what he dreaded had not befallen; said God be
thanked. Aglovale in his heart more than in words thanked
him for that kindness.

Now, after supper Sir Kay stood up to fulfil his obligation.
He told all through his tale very dryly and completely in every
particular.

Sir Aglovale sat quiet under him, and when he had ended
offered no word for his part. The audience of knights sat
expectant for the King to bid him rise to fill out the tale with

182 AGLOVALE DE GAL1S

further particulars, and namely how Breuse Saunce Pitd showed
mercy. But Arthur sat thoughtful awhile, spoke his comment
curtly upon Sir Kay, and did not call on Sir Aglovale at all.

At this there was some wonder all round. Kay wondered,
and Gaheris ; and Aglovale himself was slow to understand, and
wondered. Launcelot alone had a deeming that he knew the
King's bent. With attentive mind he observed Sir Aglovale.
He heard a manner of speaking pass, ungentle and unworthy ;
for some there were, careless or deliberate, who set their fellow
at naught, and would Sir Kay had slain Sir Breuse Saunce Pile'
before question; in Sir Aglovale's very presence such reflections
passed. Still he sat silent under this, and he showed no sign
of discomposure till the grave, considerate regard of Launcelot
drew his eyes ; then the blood rose hot in his face.

Launcelot spoke a word. He said, with a double sense,
that such usage as was set upon Sir Aglovale de Galis was
passing foul work; even Saunce Pite' for shame should have
spared him his face.

Aglovale replied, " Ah, sir, good sooth, Sir Breuse did not
stamp me so."

Still the King did not look his way nor call him to rise and
recount. Then Sir Griflet with his great voice put Arthur in
mind to fulfil the record of the Holy Quest, as here was Sir
Aglovale to tell his adventures.

Said Arthur, grave and firm, " Let that alone. I have no
mind to hear what Sir Aglovale has a mind to tell."

Aglovale, startled, sat up rigid, and stared against the King
full and hard, agape and breathless. For the moment he had
no other thought than that Arthur was privy to his nephews'
villainy, and purposed to cover it.

But before the face of Arthur so dishonouring a suspicion
could not stand. The face of Arthur, sombre to sadness,
altered before his eyes, hardened, darkened, overawed the
insolent affront of his gaze with an access of majestic severity.

Suddenly Aglovale understood : Arthur held him an
approved liar worth no credence.

None beside understood save Sir Launcelot. Gaheris and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 183

Agravaine, quite at a loss, looked at each other amazed.
To them and to others, that passage of looks and of brief,
unaccountable words told nothing, but that for cause unper-
ceived King Arthur was displeased, and Sir Aglovale, insolent,
was put out of countenance.

But Launcelot knew that in their midst, yet privily, their
lord had spoken in relentless judgment, and their fellow
undergone sentence that was very grievous to bear.

Aglovale sat still and silent for a time, while sight and
sound about him were unseen, unheard. Then he came out
of himself, drew breath, wiped his brow, looked about him
comprehensively. The gaze of Launcelot arrested him, grave,
considerate, better than compassionate. Aglovale smote down
his head.

Then Launcelot likewise smote down his head.

CHAPTER XVIII

THE next record of Aglovale tells how he meddled with
Sir Hermind and lost and won.

When after long absence he returned to Galis, he
was slow to learn that old conditions were void. Sir Hermind
in fact and in name ruled, and had no mind to lend himself
again for mask and tool to his difficult kinsman. Yet knowing
the curst unhappy temper of Sir Aglovale, he was patient and
considerate, and slow to teach him; and remembering Sir
Tor's saying, he may come to rust now he is broken, he took
thought to put into his hands many matters of difficulty and
moment.

Such charges were those as Sir Aglovale aforetime had
chosen for his part to fulfil, and now at request he carried
through certain of the sterner needs of government for re-
tribution and exemplary justice. Too thoroughly he per-
formed, with ruthlessness and butchery that Sir Hermind did
not approve. But censures now were of no more effect than
were counsels to mercy of old. Sir Aglovale paid little heed ;
rather was he the more extreme as to his mind Sir Hermind
inclined too often to leniency, and Galis fared so much the
worse. Once he took upon him to deal unauthorized, and Sir
Hermind sent warning ; twice, and Sir Hermind sent threaten-
ing. At last he went too far, and by an outrageous deed
provoked stronger measure than words. He defied Sir
Hermind's warrant for mercy, granted unwisely to the prayer
of an importunate mother, and hanged two dangerous young
men, hostages whose lives were forfeit by the treason of their
kindred.

184

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 185

The circumstances made Sir Aglovale's offence flagrant
and deliberate. On suspicion of his kinsman's inexpedient
mildness, he hasted to forestall it with his own harsh justice,
and rode hot by night with a single man to claim his hostages
from the keeper in charge.

So, as he ordered, within the hour they were prepared and
shriven, and brought from hold to the gallows on a bridgeway
in the sight of townsfolk and friends. Came the messenger
riding for life, and delivered Sir Hermind's letters and seal.
Sir Aglovale took these and considered, and then gave the
word for execution forthright. But here the keeper questioned,
remonstrated, warned him that he doubted his authority to
deal ; and he and all his men refused to serve, and would do
naught, as they would have to answer to Sir Hermind.

" As for that, I will have it done," said Sir Aglovale, " and
myself I will answer to Sir Hermind. Howbeit I will have
this done so you and your men shall stand altogether clear."

Therewith he bade his own man do the work ; and he took
out his sword, and went and kept the bridge-end against the
crowd till the work was done.

He departed, and rode down to Milford Haven to awe
other traitors, and left to a more convenient season, as less
urgent matter, adjustment and understanding with Sir Hermind.

Soon came summons that struck a pause. He was bidden
return straightway to Cardiff, and to bring with him his
hangman. He thought fit then to obey ; and as he rode he
went over the matter in his mind, and so came heavy and
sober to Cardiff, and sought audience of his cousin. That was
refused him till the day following, when Sir Hermind sat in
council.

Sir Aglovale came in with his sword ungirt, sans spurs,
shield, helm ; and when Sir Hermind saw him so, the least
spark of anger died, and he was passing grieved and heavy for
that he had to do.

He required Sir Aglovale to give an account of what he
had done. So he did faithfully, acknowledging that he had
received his order to spare, and had gone against it ; and he

186 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

asked leave to lay down what firm and weighty reasons there
were for so doing. That was refused him. Sir Hermind
rehearsed his right to the absolute rule of Galis, by line of
inheritance, by consent, by election sanctioned and confirmed
of King Arthur ; and he required Sir Aglovale to show if he
had right to overrule his warrant and denounce his prerogative.

Said Aglovale, "From my birth I belonged to Galis.
What I have done was for the weal of Galis. I had no other
purpose."

Sir Hermind put down that plea ; he was the head of Galis,
and the weal of Galis could never be sound while injuriously
Sir Aglovale practised against his head. He spoke firm with-
out harsh language ; he had not forgot how much he owed to
Sir Aglovale, and what strong excuse, by reason of their
former footing, there was for him, whose will was long dominant
before he was made able and sure enough to cope with wild
Galis alone.

But Sir Aglovale put forward no protest on these grounds.
He said that verily he had considered that reprieve came
rather from Sir Hermind's good heart; and he, slighting it,
had purposed to appeal to his good head when he came to
render account. Sir Hermind told him that he could not hear
him till he had purged his contempt; and Sir Aglovale
answered, right so he would, and make reparation all so much
as Sir Hermind required.

Full reparation Sir Hermind required : he was to pay
down at the gallows-tree the price of blood ; he was to take
down the dead bodies and carry them to decent burial; he
was to withdraw to Cardigan and keep the room of his castle
till the following feast of Christmas.

This was stark dealing, and Sir Aglovale was shocked;
and so, indeed, were others there present, who, had he revolted
to defiance, might have stood by him for his father's sake, and
because they were at one with him in this instance as to the
unwisdom of Sir Hermind in remitting forfeit.

Against common expectation Sir Aglovale answered sub-
missive ; but presently he was more shocked when Sir Hermind

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 187

had before him his man, and ordered him to the gallows-tree
with his master to take his penalty under the hangman's lash,
and with him to go bury the dead.

Said Aglovale for the man : he had done no wrong ; he
had done his duty, obeying his master without question ; what
fault there was was his alone. He spoke in vain ; and in vain
he offered to redeem his man at full blood price ; upon all he
could say there was answer to confound him from his own
harsh doings. He was cruelly hurt. He smote down his head
and asked for mercy, pardon for his man. Sir Hermind
swore by his head he would not grant it. Aglovale said no
more; the taste of bootless humiliation choked him. Sir
Hermind required no pledge, but let him go ; he had his man
for surety.

So in due time Sir Aglovale met his man at the gallows-
tree, and each paid his penalty. And they took down the
two dead bodies and carried them to burial, to the great
delight of townsfolk and friends, so that the keeper and Sir
Lamiel of Cardiff, with all their men, had much ado to deliver
them clear.

And when all was done and masses said, Sir Aglovale's
man stood up before him, plucked from his coat his badge, and
flung it underfoot.

" Do me right, my lord ; pay me the price of my blood,
for I quit your service. I will serve a master who can ensure
me a whole skin when I do his orders."

Sir Lamiel of Cardiff cursed the man fiercely, as Sir
Aglovale stood for a moment out of words. Then said he,
" Fair sir, let be, he asks but right."

He paid the full price he had offered for redemption ; and
the man took it shifting and muttering.

" If he will have me, I will serve Sir Hermind."

Said Sir Aglovale, "You serve him well already." He
turned to Sir Lamiel and charged him with a message to Sir
Hermind, and prayed him to report fairly, and to speak well
for his man, an honest and trusty knave. Then he departed
for Cardigan.

188 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Right heavy at heart was Sir Hermind before Sir Lamiel
came in. What he had done he believed to be right and just
and needful, and he might not repent ; yet he was greatly
troubled. He was noble, upright, and scrupulous, and his
gain over Sir Aglovale smote him with compunction. Had
Sir Aglovale come in armed and defied him, had he denounced
his failing, had he opened out as to their old terms of joint
authority and reproached him for ingratitude, had he claimed
his privilege to justify himself in battle, then had he played a
part right and honourable, and those present in council would
incline to worship and esteem him better than now in effect
they did. But he had come in surrendered, he had owned
and bowed to his authority, he had petitioned and been
denied, he had met unforeseen rigour and had not revolted.

Sir Lamiel came in and told all he had witnessed. " And
Sir Aglovale prays you take well his fair greeting of farewell,
for he thinks to have done his last for the welfare of Galis ; so
God keep you your heart as you have proved it upon him,
and all is well."

" This is too hard for me ! " said Sir Hermind, grieving.

Said Sir Lamiel, " Oh, sir, pray God for yourself and Galis
that you win quit of his danger."

" God help and reward Sir Aglovale de Galis. I think him
the truest man alive."

But Sir Lamiel doubted. " Such meekness is not accord-
ing to his nature. Trust him not ! "

Next day Sir Hermind rode forth with his young son
Mariet, and did not return.

Meanwhile, across the hills and valleys of Galis, then fresh
with the lilies and palm-wands of Easter-tide, Sir Aglovale had
taken his way, sorrow-laden, to withdraw to the narrow room
of his castle walls at Cardigan. He knew well that his course
was over in the land he was born to rule. Sir Hermind was
fit and able enough, and his meddling was needless and
mischievous. He came to Cardigan thwarted, defeated, weary
of vain effort. Two young squires, bastard sons to Sir
Durnor, were fighting at play on the castle green. The elder

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 189

and the taller went down shocked over his horse's tail. Sir
Aglovale smiled at that.

That night he could not sleep, and according to custom he
rose and walked. From the bed where Percivale had left him
he went, and roamed the vacant chambers where sweet Gilleis
had lived and died, and the hall where Sir Marhaus had
thundered from heaven; he climbed up under the stars, to
look down upon the ceaseless river, and the outlying isle
where her dear body was a part of the mould, and afar on the
span of bridge where Brose drove him off and drubbed him ;
and then back again he came to the bed where Percivale
had left him. It was the brink of Easter Day, midnight past,
but still dark, with not a hint of dawn behind the hills. He
lay down once more and slept, sound without a dream, as
ever he slept since the night of avowal there.

Came the voice of Percivale crying him awake. "Aglovale,
Aglovale ! "

Beside his bed stood Percivale, pale as are the dead,
tears in his eyes, his arms wide. Against his face dawned a
light so clear that it faded as stars fade at sunrise.

Aglovale answered and sprang. He gathered great dark-
ness to his breast. So he knew that Percivale was dead.

CHAPTER XIX

THROUGH Cardigan Castle and town went stir and buzz
on Sir Aglovale's return, for rumour of variance and
defiance was already about. Old knights and retainers
spoke of the brim and merry day when he had gathered round
him all with a grievance in Galis, and mischief had threatened
till King Pellinore came down with a strong hand to cut it
short. So now they questioned what manner of day might be
at hand ; certain it would not be merry.

But on the morrow conjecture was stricken to a pause, for
Sir Aglovale was found tranced and rigid as once before ; and
so he lay for two days, till by blood-letting and exorcism he
was restored to his senses. His leech, that same good wise-
acre, again warned him against strong meats and wine, and
against deadly sin, and namely warned him against hardness of
heart. Another two days went by, and still his purposes lay
dark. It was told how all that while he rested and meditated,
gazing out with level eyes against the horizon, from dawn to
dark, from dark to dawn, without sleep.

Too far away did Sir Aglovale set his gaze to take note of
a noble knight, passing down, as the sun went low, to the cover
of Cardigan walls. Indifferently he heard that one was come
to the castle gates who would not give his name save by the
mouth of a fair child to Sir Aglovale himself. Indifferently he
lifted his eyes as young Mariet came before him.

From the first moment his heart gave towards this boy, who
in feature was strangely like Lamorak at his age, and like
Percivale in his delicate grace. He was solemn as death.

" Fair child," said Aglovale, gently, " speak in God's name !
190

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 191

Say who you are, and who sends you." He marvelled greatly,
but sooth he needed not the telling.

"Sir," said Mariet, "my father, Sir Hermind, sends me
before him to bespeak him a hearing on a matter to concern
you both. Below at the gates he waits to know if it be your
will to receive him at all, or secretly, or openly."

" I will well," said Aglovale. He rose unsteadily, and laid
his hand heavily on the boy. " Be my stay, fair child, an you
can bear more than a little."

" Yea, sir, I hope I can," said Mariet, and braced his
slight strength to the weight.

So Sir Aglovale staggered down into hall, and bade the
gates be opened, and sent out the two young squires his
nephews, and came to the threshold with the child still under
his hand.

" Enter, Sir Hermind ! " he called. " Enter to mer fair
lord and cousin, as I may not quit the room of these walls to
come out to you at my own pleasure."

Straightway Sir Hermind lighted down and came close,
and they looked each other hard in the visage till both were
satisfied. Yet neither offered the kiss at that time.

Said Sir Aglovale, " Fair lord, put your hand upon me and
come in." And so he brought him into hall an honoured
guest, to the great astonishment of all there ; and he set him
at the board, and together they eat and drank.

Never could Sir Hermind quite love his strange kinsman ;
never could he quite pity him. Under his hand he felt him
totter, he saw him aged, broken, worn, he heard him speak
deference; and in his heart he worshipped him, weak and
sad and meek, knowing him aloof and far from need of pity
and love.

They came to private speech that night after the supper.

" Fair lord," said Sir Aglovale, " waste no doubt on what
you have come to say. However it be, my will is to take it
as it is meant."

Thereupon Sir Hermind choked and swallowed before he
could bring it out.

192 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" As you say, so keep. Sir Aglovale, I mean to give you
my son Mariet if you will take him."

Startled and amazed beyond measure, Sir Aglovale stam-
mered after him.

" You mean to give me your son Mariet if I will take him !
God in heaven, this is beyond me ! "

His blank bewilderment knocked Sir Hermind hard.

" God's truth ! " said he, wording low and strong, " well I
know you could make of my son a better man than his father.
Yea, for a man of singular worth and integrity you have made
from beginnings that, to speak plain, did not promise so much
excellence."

" Nay," stammered Aglovale, " Percivale was born excellent,
but I saw his promise before others."

"I go not so far as to speak of Sir Percivale. But as to
you, Sir Aglovale — oh, 'tis pity you have no son of your own
body to bring up after you."

" Cease, cease. You look in the dark. We live all in the
dark here below. Nay, pity were any issue of mine to run
on ! Cease, you say too much for me."

Sir Hermind would not cease; he went on to tell Sir
Aglovale in what light he saw him, and held him dumb with
amazement Only a pair well matched in honesty could so
encounter for good ; each at his disadvantage was exposed to
no contumely. High-minded above scruples of pride and
shame, the one said what he had to say without a doubt, and
the other heard him so as he meant. Aglovale could not
speak. He smote down his head in true humility that has no
taint of bitterness. As soon as he could he asked as to Mariet,
and Sir Hermind called in his son and bade him answer for
himself.

The boy said simply that his father's will was his, and that
he also had learned to worship Sir Aglovale.

" Ah, Sir Hermind," said Aglovale, " have you taught him
so little of me that he knows of no blame ? "

" He knows enough, as you may ask him."

Aglovale eyed the boy sadly. "I tell you, child, the

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 193

worst you can have heard against me was true, and short of
the truth."

" Fair sir, but you know not what is said ; and well I know
it is not true at all."

Said Aglovale, patiently, " Say out now what is said."

" Sir, that you are not thoroughly honest and loyal at heart,
but a close traitor."

" What — now ? " cried Aglovale.

" Yea, sir, here and now."

Aglovale turned upon Sir Hermind with a faint smile.
" And so you came to assay me ? "

" To justify you."

" Fair lord, that was nobly done, but it was needless.
Waste no care on me, waste not your son on me, an that be
all you came for."

" Not all. Take you my son for his good, as for his good
I give him up to you. Mend him of my faults. Make him
in head and heart stronger than I to rule Galis when he shall
be called. Take him as you took Sir Percivale, and may God
reward him to you as well."

At that Sir Aglovale forgot their presence, and gazed worlds
beyond them ; and silent they waited, marvelling to see that
stern and unlovely visage alter and relax, and glow to a vision
remote, as a crag takes up light from the sun departed. He
came to them again, weak and shaken.

"Thanks be to God Almighty in all His ways," he said
faintly ; and soon, more strongly, " Gentle hearts, as God
only knows, I am grateful for these your good ways towards
me."

" Take up, then, my son in God's name."

He stayed from answer, and, kneeling down, gave himself
to prayer awhile, Sir Hermind and Mariet kneeling with him.

Then he stood and said, " Not as I took Percivale : him
I took and kept in ignorance, to his sorrow later."

He took Mariet by the hand, and painfully told him,
while he shrank, of much iniquity done; and told him
how he had shamed and troubled his father's house; and
o

194 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

told him namely how his son unborn died for his sins in the
womb.

Cried Mariet, shaking, " I know, I know all that, but I
know better."

Said Sir Hermind, " God 'a mercy, Sir Aglovale, cut this
short ! For, look you, the best the child knows of you is also
short of the truth."

He broke off as the folly and wrong of his silence to
Percivale cut home. Deaf to the voice of Sir Hermind, inwardly
he heard the earnest cry, " Brother Sir Aglovale, I swear I love
you ; " and the face of Percivale, child and man, weeping for
him, made dim his eyes. Mariet was kneeling, holding his
knees; he put down his hand and felt cold fingers and a
passive head. Mariet, with all his generous faith, had no
heart' s-giving as yet.

"God help me, child, to do by you better than by
Percivale." He bowed his head and wept heavily, as it were
for the burial of Percivale. " Fair cousins, give me room
awhile for a grief that is all my own," he said faintly. " I am
too spent at this time to hansel joy also."

Sooth his pious old leech had left him too little blood to
carry him through : he ended in a swoon. Sir Hermind
watched him out of it and into sleep ; for that night he slept
again, to dreamless peace. It was wonder to see man alive so
rest like one of the blessed dead.

In due form, according to law and religion, before God and
man, Sir Aglovale took Mariet from the hands of his father.
And the same day that this was accomplished came Sir Lamiel
of Cardiff with a great plump of spears and beset the gates,
calling on high to Sir Aglovale to come out and answer for
his treason, or deliver up Sir Hermind and his young son.

Then there was sport ; Sir Hermind prayed Sir Aglovale to
lend him his harness, and so armed he went out and smote
down Sir Lamiel at the barriers, and six others beside, with
one spear. Then he turned in again, and Mariet came out
lightly, took Sir Lamiel by the finger, and brought him in to
ease his mind and to better his judgment.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 195

But that sturdy knight came to no clear understanding, and
ever doubted there was some foul practice behind the fair show
put before him. Privily he warned Sir Hermind how once
Sir Aglovale had carried off the boy Percivale, and kept him
by the sword from his brothers till he worked his ill-will,
driving Sir Durnor out of Galis ; and how after that he had
broken faith, and again carried off the boy to sea till Sir Lamorak
granted him all his demands. After this manner, he said, did
Sir Aglovale fulfil the fealty he had vowed with a show of
towardness. Yet his brothers all, of their goodness, were close,
and for his credit cloked the matter as best they might. But
ever he would take advantage of forbearance, and head as he
chose in maugre and contempt. His father, King Pellinore,
was more shrewd in his dealings, turned him adrift when he
proved curst and intolerable ; on a flourish of disaffection laid
him up in irons here in his own castle of Cardigan, with him,
Sir Lamiel, for his keeper.

"Gramercy, Sir Lamiel, for your counsel and good will;
but I tell you I shall not require you for any such service.
And I warn you, utter not such malignant stuff against Sir Agio-
vale in Galis, or by my head you shall go elsewhere to rue it."

Said Sir Lamiel, " Fair lord, you play it off well."

" Look you ! I have played off my son Mariet in this
game, and count him well lost to Sir Aglovale's adoption."

" Fie ! Has he not sons enough of his own on the ground !
Marry ! your gentle among those kites ! "

" What sons ? "

" Whose are those two squires swart and bold-eyed ? Have
you no eyes to see ? "

" I have seen — I have asked. They are bastards, and Sir
Durnor's."

" So he pleases to say. Be not so sure. By your leave I
will venture the question."

So he did. Sir Aglovale stiffened and eyed him intent a
moment.

"To the best of my belief they are not mine, but Sir
Durnor's."

196 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Neither ? By the faith of your body ? "

" How, sir ? Let such asking be put upon mothers of sons.
Neither these nor any sons have been brought home to me."

" All played off, forsooth ! " returned Sir Lamiel.
Cried Sir Hermind, " Hold ! I will hear no more. This
cast is toe base."

" Fair sir, not a whit. I have known Sir Aglovale twice
as long as you. I tell you before his face he has too unclean
a record to be fit to touch your son without offence to your
worship and that of your noble lady. There be some few in
Galis who rear up sons that they doubt on his account. Sir, I
would say more but that I am under his roof."

Said Sir Aglovale, " Under this roof you never had cause to
say so much. Your keeping was proof enough ! "

Upon that Sir Lamiel used terms so strong that Sir Hermind
denied him further audience, and he departed in dudgeon from
Cardigan.

But he left Sir Hermind troubled.

" I deemed him a noble knight, staunch and upright."

" I know him, and so he is."

" He interprets you vilely."

Said Sir Aglovale, after a pause, " Fair lord, 'tis well you
should hear what reason he has.

"As you must know, my father, King Pellinore, once
punished me hard. Here in Cardigan he left me close prisoned,
and Sir Lamiel he set in charge. I was very strictly kept ; he
was neither harsh nor kind, but exact upon an irksome duty.
So for near half a year under this roof each occupied his place,
with a brief interchange of words twice daily.

" Once the wind blew over the sound of a sweet shrill laugh,
and his voice imperative hushing it So only did I know his
young wife was with him to lighten his dreary days. I was
hot and restless for a day or more; the fret wore off; that
hushing of his was final. I never set eyes upon that fair lady
till the day of release.

" My brother Tor came with order of release, and he wept
for joy and sorrow to see me. I staggered on the stairway, off

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 197

my balance at first stepping free, and at that he took me off my
feet and carried me. Half blind he blundered, and before Sir
Lamiel could stay us we had startled in her privacy his fair
wife. I saw her very fair as she rose in a flutter, and without
keep I regarded her. She stopped dead and returned my gaze
with a face of eager compassion, while her colour rose and
paled again. She turned to her lord with a deep sigh, and
sank into his arms swooning. And so her happy wedlock was
blighted."

Said Sir Hermind, " Was it so ? Now I partly guess — not
altogether."

"Sooth, the case should not be incredible. My mother,
when she carried me, looked on the Questing Beast, and some
do see a trace. But Sir Lamiel held the truth incredible when
some months later his wife was brought to bed of a girl, swart
like me, with a trick of face like mine. Though I was in irons,
though I never saw human creature save in his presence, he
could not be satisfied."

" You were altogether clear by absolute proof."

" Fair lord, at that time the name I had told to such effect."

" Why do you tell this tale ? "

" Fair lord, at this time the name I had tells to some effect."

" I look to amend that somewhat."

" It is no use."

" Refuse not that is your due, Sir Aglovale. Here in
Galis I have more credit than I deserve, and you by so much
the less."

" As to that, you and I have not in the past been altogether
open and void of deceit for our ends in Galis. Cloke and
mask was our habit for long. We sought no confidence, we
gained none, we deserve none. So let be each to each as we
were, and God grant so as we shall be, without a doubt to the
end, notwithstanding broken teeth."

For all Sir Aglovale could say, Sir Hermind would pursue
his vain purpose. But he won few to believe that he in pure
honour and worship had bestowed his son to the keep of Sir
Aglovale, whom he would no more suffer to meddle in Galis.

198 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The leaden year wore on to the feast of Christmas.

Now, when the midnight mass was over, Sir Aglovale went
down and issued to the night alone to take the breath of
enlargement between the snow and the stars. That natural
move of his was shrewdly awaited. He saw a shadow suddenly
stretch out beside his own on the moonlit snow; quick he
wheeled ; quicker came down a stab, smitten so deep and hard
that he pitched face forward to a stunning fall. So the villain
left him, and fled, and was never traced.

He was found with a knife stuck in his back with a missive
spitted upon it. The blow had shattered the seal, and in the
flurry and dismay ensuing that missive was hastily opened and
read. The thing was horrible : there, writ large, was greeting
for peace and good will from Sir Hermind.

But Sir Aglovale, when he came to his senses and had
knowledge of the missive, showed little discomposure. He had
it spread open before his eyes, and read it, twisting a dreary
smile. But soon he perceived too much intelligence in the
eyes about him, and, looking at the broken seal, understood
that privity was unhappily gone. Then he was discomposed
out of measure. He strove to speak, called " Mariet ! " with
a great expense of blood, and swooned away.

The knife had gone through to the lungs dangerously far ;
he was warned for his life against speaking then awhile.

Mariet came to the fore. He crept up, sobbing miserably,
but at a look and a touch he was sobbing more for joy.

" Fair lord, you do know — you do know ! Fair lord, let me
speak out to these present. He knows ! Sir Aglovale does
know, that Sir Hermind had no thought nor part in this
wickedness."

He kissed the hand that held him; he ventured close
and kissed Sir Aglovale's cheek. So was love right filial first
delivered.

The child was sage beyond his years ; he considered how
Sir Aglovale had not the art of writing, nor voice to indite,
so himself he sought a clerk, and a letter to Sir Hermind was
written, and read out to Sir Aglovale for sanction. It shook

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 199

him perilously with covert sob and laughter. This was the
body of it :

" Fair sire, I would you were here. The villain you sent
has laid Sir Aglovale low with a knife in his back so that he
cannot speak. Howbeit, I do not think he will die thereof.
Fair sire, he knows what is truth and so do I ; but others do
not, though they make pretence, save Michael and John, who
do not hide misdoubt. The villain has escaped. Fair sire, I
would you were here to deal against misdoubt and pretence.
Fair sire, I now do love Sir Aglovale as I love another, but
not near so well. I, Mariet, am deeply distressed for you
both."

That letter brought Sir Hermind as soon as he could stand
and go, for he had been sick of a fever at that time of wretched
miscarriage, or doubtless he had not tarried so far from a sight
of Mariet, and the kiss of peace when it was due. Sir Aglovale
by then could also stand and go a little, and unadvisedly he
came out and stood up for the rite of greeting ; for even as Sir
Hermind embraced him, crying out on his unhappiness, the
wound broke inwardly, and he answered, " Ah, peace ! " with a
gush of blood.

Alas ! here for foul evidence was the accusation of blood ; all
fair show was darkened by the stain of it. Sir Hermind him-
self was plainly troubled when he came to private speech.

Said Sir Aglovale, " I need no telling to understand this
mischief. I knew the hand against me was the hand of that
savage hangdog of mine who served me well to his cost.
Almost I was sure by his shadow ; with your missive to boot I
understood enough."

"So do not I. The knave was surly but trusty, as you
said. This devilry of his is beyond me."

Aglovale lay silent, biting a dreary smile, till Sir Hermind
pressed him to be plain.

" Sure, sir, the fact is plain : the man serves me with your
favour, — pins it to my back on his knife. The dog has his
humour.

" Is that not plain enough ? You sent him to me, — him

200 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

that lent me steady faithful service on the warrant of my word
to bear him through, — to me that failed him, and surrendered
him, and stood by him only at his punishment for my trans-
gressions, and my warrant worthless."

" God 'a mercy, you paid him off handsomely."

" I paid him for his skin. I did not dare offer to buy up
his grievance, he a free Briton. Now I think that has been
paid for."

" By my head, this is bitter ! "

" By your head, it was bitter ! It is over."

" Sir Aglovale, for the good of Galis I had to break you."

" For the good of Galis I was broken. Also for the good
of Galis cast me aside."

" Fair cousin," said Sir Hermind, sorrowfully, " I was so
blank that I was come to ask you why your blood rose
against me."

Said Aglovale, wearily, " As to that, fair cousin, you pressed
me too hard for my condition. For, to be plain, Sir Hermind,
you do not love me; you never will. Nor do I you quite.
You know me, you trust me, you worship me when you can,
you break me when you must with a loth heart. I you no less.
I have knocked you in my way, and you have knocked me in
yours, but for all that no shade of rancour has ever come
between us, nor ever will. Rancour, no ! Love, no ! But
hard truth and honest understanding to rest upon I pray we
keep always, and namely for the sake of Mariet."

He was passing weak and low at the end of speech, and so
Sir Hermind meditated all silent some while before he took up
the word.

" For the sake of Mariet and for the sake of truth I pray
you grant me one request."

Said Aglovale, smiling, " Nay ! Give me your bidding."

" Let us go together before King Arthur."

Aglovale lay staring with a fallen countenance. " Sir, on
my own account I am bound to the court of King Arthur, so
soon as I can ride. Sir, at your pleasure so be it. Yet to
what purpose ? "

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 201

Said Sir Hermind, " Look you, Sir Aglovale ! you and I
and Mariet are here so set in a coil of doubt and suspicion !
It were well to lay the matter in the hands of our noble lord
King Arthur, for his sanction and approval would justify us
above suspicion, and stand us right before the world."

Aglovale lay mute, his visage was drawn and grey, and he
took his breath so heavily that Hermind was in dread of blood
anew.

Came voice at last, " King Arthur would not sanction and
approve. His face is a very sword — ready as any knife to pin
upon me your good worship in scorn and disgust. He would
be justified— by right of overrule — to take away — Mariet — out
of my hands."

Few and feeble were the words, but they told much to Sir
Hermind : how dearly he prized Mariet. He in a heat cried,
" By Heaven ! but I will so sound your worship before King
Arthur, that he must needs give ear and alter his countenance."

Said Aglovale, faintly, " It is no use — King Arthur would
not give ear nor alter his countenance, though Percivale him-
self came from the dead to speak for me."

" From the dead ! " breathed Hermind. " Dead— Sir
Percivale dead ! " There was no response. " God rest his
soul," he prayed ; and, awestruck, he gazed down upon Sir
Aglovale, for he saw once more that afterglow lighten his
countenance.

Prayed Aglovale, " God rest his soul. Ah God ! Mariet !
Look down, and overrule Thou us, for the making of Mariet ! "

CHAPTER XX

WELL alone came Aglovale to Camelot, and all timely
he came for hearing the last tidings of his brother.
For few days later Sir Bors returned from that far-off
city of Sarras, where he had laid to earth the mortal covers
of three pure souls : maiden Saint, Galahad, and Percivale.
Beside the vacant sieges of his two fellows Bors took his place,
and before Arthur and the broken fellowship told the tale of
how the Quest was achieved, and many high adventures there-
with— of the Table, and the Ship, and the Sword ; of the passing
of Percivale's sister Saint, and how dead she came in the body
to keep tryst ; how they rested in prison with marvellous con-
solation ; how in the city of Sarras Galahad was crowned king,
and how he died for holy joy.

Sir Launcelot bowed down, weeping for his son in sorrow
and joy, and many another wept with him. Sir Aglovale
neither bowed, nor wept, nor spoke. Once Sir Bors at the
first looked upon him earnestly, meeting a passive stare. He
came to the tale of how Sir Percivale took on religious clothing,
and in a hermitage abode, praying and wasting away till he
died upon Easter Day. Once again he looked on Sir Agio-
vale; even then he sat rigid and still as stone. Those who
remembered to mark him were not drawn to approach in the
kindness of common dole one so unmoved. Only Launcelot,
and he was blinded. He came by, and turned to take Sir
Aglovale by the hand.

" Ah, Sir Aglovale, we be fellows this day beyond the rest ;
for to you and to me most near as brother and son are these

202

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 203

two best knights in the world, Sir Galahad and Sir Percivale,
fellows without peer."

Aglovale blessed him as the indigent blesses alms, and
gripped so hard that Sir Launcelot took away bruised fingers.

Late that night came Sir Bors to Sir Aglovale's lodging.

" I pray you, Sir Aglovale, give me leave to be free of your
privacy at this time, though I know you so little, but by
hearsay."

" Make free. In the name of God, give me to hear what
is mine, though it be but grief."

"Sir, I bring you your own again," said Bors, and put
into his hands his own sword that Percivale had taken.

At that there was glow in ashes. Aglovale took the blade
and handled it over and over, and kissed devoutly the red
cross in the hilts. For this same blade tokened loss and gain :
regained from Arthur, regained from Lamorak, regained from
Percivale ; thrice annealed, he held it dear.

Said Bors, " Hear how Sir Percivale delivered this charge.
He kneeled, and lifting up the hilts between his two hands,
he cried, ' I swear, brother Sir Aglovale, I swear I do love
you.' "

Aglovale turned away abrupt with a heavy breath.

Said Bors, "Help me to speak lest I do wrong between
you and Sir Percivale."

" That you cannot. You mean kindly. Tread on."

Bors could not. " Have patience," he said, " and first
hear me out on a trouble of mine own."

He told the tale that my most dear Master has recorded,
of the grief and offence that came between him and his brother
Lionel as they went their ways on the Quest. For he abandoned
his brother, him stripped naked, bound, barbarously used ; and
he left him to bodily death, and chose rather, for the worship
of Jesu God and Saint Mary Mother, to go save a maid
in desperate case, and so to deliver two unhappy souls from
sin and shame that is deadlier than death. But by the mercy
of God Sir Lionel did not die. Soon he met with him again.
Alas ! enraged he found him. No plea, no meekness availed.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

His dear brother set upon him to slay him, and so fell was
his mood that he slew without mercy a priest and a knight
who came between for mediation. In the end, said Bors, the
wrath of God smote them down at their strife ; and when his
dear brother came to himself in his arms he forgave him
gently for all his deep offence.

Aglovale heard the tale quietly ; he did not pronounce on
it well or ill. Bors went on.

He left his brother, he said ; for a voice bade him go seek
Sir Percivale needing his fellowship on the deep. And so he
did ; and after a day and a night he came to the sea, where
lay a ship all white under the moon. Straightway he entered,
and right so the night darkened on a sudden, and the vessel,
starting from land like a winged thing, took flight away. And
there in the midst, sleeping, by morning light he found Sir
Percivale according to the sending voices. So with joy and
comfort of each other they sailed together the great seas, many
days drifting and driving, yet unafraid.

At that time either told other how he had been tempted
on the Quest. Sir Percivale told how a fiend had carried him
and cast him down in a wilderness to hunger, and how he
was tempted of the Master Fiend of Hell in a fair shape, and
drank strong drink and turned to sin. But he sinned not
indeed, for by God's grace he looked upon his sword with
the holy sign upon it, and right so called upon God, whereat
the Fiend fled away. Then Percivale caught his sword and
drove it through his own flesh for penance ; and thereafter
spent and feeble he came into the ship that wafted him to their
meeting.

Aglovale fingered the blade and the hilts with a grim smile,
and Sir Bors eyed him doubtfully and went on.

He said that when he came to tell in turn his adventures
past, how he had abandoned his brother and aggrieved him
deadly, that Sir Percivale was moved to great distress with
heavy weeping, and swooned for sorrow.

" So it was, Sir Aglovale," said Bors, " that Sir Percivale
gave me to know more than a little.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 205

" Yea, more than a little ! " said Bors. " I know all. Oh,
sir, I know all ! "

Aglovale pressed down his head upon his hands. Hot and
quivering he said, " Sure he must have loved you dearly."

" Aye, that he did ! " said Bors. " Like a brother."

" Like a brother ! " breathed Aglovale.

Cried Bors, distressed, " Not as he loved you, Sir Aglovale.
You he loved above all the world — above measure — as father,
brother, friend in one. He scarce could speak for weeping as
he told how you did deserve his love, and how he failed you."

" Cease, cease ! " groaned Aglovale.

" I will not. He said he forsook you unbrotherly ; yet
knew not at that time what he did. When he heard how
before King and fellows you had cried out against his unkind-
ness, then he did know."

" Mercy, leave this ! I know better than you."

Cried Bors, " But I know, — I ! For when I had forsaken
my brother I fell to anguish of doubt that I was not justified.
And I, — I had trusted him to know how hard I turned me
from the call of natural affection. Yea, and I had doubted of
him that he should grudge against God Who called me from
him in his dire need."

Aglovale rocked and sighed, and Bors went on. He told
of maiden Saint, how she brought Sir Galahad with her to
sail with them the seas ; and how she brought faith and com-
fort to Sir Percivale ; for she, by her life and words, showed
him how true to God our Maker can human affections be. So
she taught and consoled him till the day of her death, when
she gave up her sweet life most charitably for the healing of
a vile creature.

" God rest her dear soul," said Aglovale. " She used to
pray for me."

" Sir," cried Bors, " God only knows how constant were
Sir Percivale's prayers for you. In sleep I have heard him
often, in fever often. And hard he prayed, the prayer that
God denied, to see you face to face but once before he
departed this life."

206 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Aglovale heard on in silence the meek and pitiful tale of
Percivale's end. By slow degrees, he dwined and wasted after
his sister's death, though for the months in prison and for
Galahad's year of reign the presence of the Holy Grail sus-
tained him. He had little strength in him left when Galahad's
soul departed, caught up into heaven with the Holy Grail.
Thereafter meekly he dressed his heart to death. Yea, it was
pitiful. Sound and fit in spirit, he was too weak in body to
seek after his brother, him bitter and broken to despair, crying
out on him, " He left me unkindly."

For a year he lingered alive in sorrow and prayer, and
sorrowing he died. He passed away with the cry, " Aglovale,
Aglovale." From sleep Bors heard it, and sprang. Dead he
lay, his arms wide spread, tears upon his visage.

Aglovale shrank and covered his ears to shut out the
profanation of speech upon his heart's privacy. When he
lifted his head Bors, still and mute, was regarding him
with eyes brimful of distress. He started up and stood
away.

Said Bors, " Sir, an you shut your ears against me I have
done. I pray God move your heart somehow yet, though
human means fail."

Aglovale wrung open his heart. " Help me, Sir Bors !
You shall know, because you loved him."

" In the name of God ! " said Bors.

Said Aglovale, " When Percivale called, I heard. I saw.
Weeping, he looked on me face to face. His arms were open
wide. I knew when he died."

" You heard his call ! You saw him so as he died ! "

" He never knew me ; albeit we were at one. He died and
never knew we were at one."

" You were at one ! "

" Yea, yea ! He passed me upon empty night. Before I
could reach him by word or touch he was gone from me
uncomforted. God rest his soul ! "

" Ah, sir, lead, for this light blinds me."

" The fault was mine. Would to God I had trusted him

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 207

fully and deserved full trust. He died, and never knew I
understood and approved."

" You understood and approved ! You who cried out on
his unkindness ! "

" Yea, so ! Unkind, unkind ! Ah, God, unkind he was,
and had to be. And I cried : yea, I thought blame that he
forsook me. Sir, I have learned better. I was out, and he
was true : yea, very faithful in his unkindness. Alas ! for
Percivale ! Gone — gone ! He prayed for me constantly !
and I, ah God, despaired ! God rest him. Jesu God comfort
him. I would have given this dear world away but once to
hold his hand, and look him in the eyes, and say well done.
He passed me upon empty night. Gone, gone for ever."

" Not so," said Bors. " He has gone from this life : God
has taken him from his pains. Pray we He may reveal all
for his joy, and bring us in His presence to meet hereafter."

Aglovale stared silent. "God keep him to peace," he
said at last.

After awhile Bors spoke. " Sir, I speak abashed, yet for
the love of Sir Percivale give me to know more. How came
you, who cried against him, by such true and perfect under-
standing ? for ye were far apart and without tidings."

" I — I," stammered Aglovale, " reached after him — in vain ;
but at last I— I met him."

" Sir, how can that be ? Sir, I have no right to ask, but
by the common love we bear Sir Percivale let me understand."

" Make you free. I, too, was on the Quest of the Grail,
and on the Quest of Percivale, as both were one. It came
to pass that God Almighty required me to forego natural
affection, the call of blood, honour to father and brethren
dead, and to follow only our fair Lord Jesu. And so I did.
And when I had done so and was come to myself, lo ! Per-
civale shone clear to my heart, and I understood. We were
close. I knew it then."

" Alas ! he never knew. The last he knew of you was that
time of the Holy Visitation, when secretly you came and went
again, avoiding him."

208 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" No, no," said Aglovale. " That I never did ! "

" How so ? He sought you, and you would not be found."

" I — I was not there — not in the body."

He smote down his face upon his hands loth to unclose ;
but a true and single-hearted man was against him, constrained
him, and so he told all.

They came upon high and intimate speech as to the Holy
Quest and the significance of it; and Bors was amazed at
the reach and insight he met. Himself who had attained had
but little to teach Sir Aglovale, who in darkness had come to
discern how the outward vision of the Mystery was but a
shadow of the inward.

" I have learned hard," said Aglovale.

Said honest Bors, " Sir, now is there no room left me to
wonder how such a flower of knighthood as Sir Percivale came
from the keep of such a man as you."

At that Aglovale glowed red, for dearer praise could not
touch him. Bors saw his colour different.

" Ah, pardon ! " he cried. " Take me as I mean : I would
that such a man as you were more rightly esteemed among
us all."

" Most men," said Sir Aglovale, " I do think, are esteemed
better than they deserve. I no worse at all. For God's sake
let me lie ! "

CHAPTER XXI

rTnHESE records of the life of Aglovale are here unhappily
poor and incomplete. Some details remain in fragments
past piecing, and some remain to be gathered up to
place in the records of other lives. So to let lie or to lay over
must be the telling of how Sir Lamiel stole Mariet away and
delivered him to Arthur, and how the child with his simple
guile won back to Sir Aglovale. Also telling of John the
bastard; how he was set against Sir Aglovale, but turned
again to worship him before departing from him on a scruple
of pride. Also telling of Sir Lamiel's daughter Bonamy ; how
she played her father false, and he smote her, and thereafter
knew her to be verily his own child. Also how Bonamy with
her stringent charm in unloveliness was beloved of Michael
and John, and herself loved neither, and of the virgin huntress
life she led with her two loyal lovers. As to the tale of the
empoisoned apples that the Queen of the Waste Lands
purveyed, there is little cause to add more than may be read
in the books of my most dear Master. Other fragments await
the tale of King Bagdemagus' daughter; how her brother
Meliagraunce came to a bad end, how Sir Aglovale faced
King Arthur for leave to bury his old friend, and how above
his tomb i he met King Bagdemagus' daughter, and she knew
him, naming him again Misericors, and blessing him.

These present records carry on the tale after that burial,

when Aglovale departed from Westminster and rode north for

the distant earldom of his brother Tor, whom he sought at

that time with a certain purpose in mind ripe for unfolding.

p 209

210 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Down a moorland road came an old woman on horseback,
led at a gentle pace by a young man afoot. She rode astride,
upright as a larch, her full skirts dressing her well in the
saddle. Milk-white locks lay under cap and hat, red engrain
freshened withered cheeks, and eyes noticeably blue looked
at Sir Aglovale attentively as she passed. He spoke hail on
her fair winter day, and she uttered blessing in return, right
fair and womanly.

A mile further on came down a great herd of kine swinging
slow. Again, a mile further a ruck of bullocks drove by, wild
and jostling ; and then, brought along in solitary state, came a
mighty bull, his hoofs splaying under his weight, surly-eyed,
his head held low with ring and staff by sturdy men. Goats
followed and some sheep, and then more kine, and so on for
more miles. For this was the season for shifting herds to
their winter quarters, and voiding the upland farms.

A good seven miles above the dale homestead Sir Agio-
vale came past the moorland farm. Voices from within the
yard reached him : a man said, remonstrant, " Now, Laykin,
Laykin ! " and a girl cried, " Uncle, uncle ! " imploring. Then
at the open gateway he had sight of two men, two women, and
a young maid, whose hand was on the neck of a dun heifer.
She was praying for its life. Came answer : " But, Laykin, the
poor beast is past mending." She did but plead the faster.
Sir Aglovale paused for a second look, and knew it must be in
vain.

The maiden was a wonder in that rude place. She was,
maybe, but fifteen, but tall and full-breasted as a woman ; her
head was finely set, her hair very beautiful, fair and abundant ;
colour, skin, grace, and mien all marked her from the homely
churls about her.

Before Sir Aglovale moved on, one spoke behind him.

" Serve you, sir ? "

He beheld two men, who stood and fronted him respect-
fully. By their square build and their honest, bearded faces
he knew them for two who had passed him leading the bull.
Though that was miles further back, here they were now at his

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 211

heels. Then those within the yard were aware of him, and the
men there came forward promptly and stood at the gateway,
while the two women went and spoke to the maiden, and
drew up her hood over her hair. She looked up once, her
eyes brimful of distress, and then bent fondling to the dun
heifer.

The men saluted meetly and waited with deference to
know his pleasure, but it was plain enough they were sturdy
and wary keepers, who were very suspicious. And for cause :
she was a passing fair maid ! Sir Aglovale put them from
doubt lightly, asking his line across the moor.

" Sir," said one, readily, " I will set you in the way. Be
you pleased to follow."

He led at a round pace, and before long bettered it and
ran ; for, said he, brisk going was needful were that moor to be
passed before nightfall. From high ground he pointed the way :
so far till you came past a hut on the right by seven springs ;
and so on by the water-run.

" My father you may meet yonder. He is out with lads
after hares. Sir, should mists come on, better bid one of them
to be your guide."

The honest churl turned home again, but Sir Aglovale
was well aware he would be watching with a jealous eye
to see the way he took. And, truly, she was a passing fair
maid.

In his mind he looked again upon that scene, for a picture
of woe it was that was in a manner pleasing : maid and beast,
fellow-creatures in distress; she weeping, cheek and hands
against the sleek hide ; the dumb beast with large gentle eyes,
muzzling to her and moaning for its hurt. And there was no
remedy but slaughter. But she : " No, no, good uncle. Oh,
cruel ! Gramfer could mend this ; I know he could. Ask
Gramfer ! " Her speech was pure and clear, not like theirs.
Her dress was finer stuff, fresher, trimmer, though it was but
a simple bodice and kirtle of woad blue linen, and a cloak and
hood of grey frieze. The clasp was silver; her shoes, laced
high, were of dressed leather. Those uncles cherished her well,

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

though with simple cunning that was rather foolishness.
Surely some strain of noble blood had been grafted upon
churl stock. She passed out of mind.

Two nimble lads went by with white-bellied hares slung
upon staves ; and in due course Sir Aglovale came by the hut,
where a hale old man, gnarled and weather-beaten, stood by
the door with a couple of fair grey hounds ; and he pointed the
way afresh. Sir Aglovale looked at the hounds attentively,
and praised them.

" Aye, rare hounds they be. Sure, sir, you never saw the
like."

" Not so sure, good-man. I have hounds of that breed,
and so had my father before me."

The old man looked hard into the distance. " Ah," he
said, " there be dog-stealers ! One I know was a knight,
saving your presence."

Said Sir Aglovale, "You I wot have bred rarely, an all
so many sturdy drovers of a like make be sons of yours, and
namely an a maid I have seen be your grandchild."

The old man cocked an eye at him and pursed up his
mouth. Then, with sudden force, he said, " No, that she is
not ! For there be ravishers. One I know was a knight,
saving your presence."

" So, so ! " said Sir Aglovale. " Some sons of yours were,
forsooth, passing saving of my presence ! "

Said the old man then : " Well, well, the best and truest
man I know is a knight ; and I say it who have twelve sons of
my own as good and true as they can stand."

Then he brisked, and said : " Sir, you had best be stirring,
for I smell mist. I had thought to night it out here, and course
at dawn ; but my bones can't abide mist, so I go for home."
He chirruped his hounds and went.

He said sooth. Before long the mists came down and hid
the moor, and Sir Aglovale rode through a white blind. The
whiteness grew grey and then black, and the damp struck very
chill with the night. He went afoot to warm his blood, and
tramped hour after hour till the blackness turned to grey and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 213

to white again, and he guessed that the moon was up. So
weary was he that any hollow would have been shelter
good enough for him, but on the bare upland there was
none.

Again he mounted, for he found he was treading an un-
certain track, and could trust his horse to follow it better than
himself. And so at last his wise beast stopped beside a dark
shade of mist ; and lighting down he felt walls and a door,
knocked and had no answer, broke open the door and entered.
And then he was well-nigh sure he had traversed a great round,
and was come again to the hut he had passed. He felt all
about : the place was bare ; charred turf was on the hearth, but
not a spark ; a standing crib by the wall was bedded with heather,
bunched upright, springy and fragrant, and a sheepskin hung
on a nail. So he was thankful, set his spear by the door, led
in his horse, unsaddled and took off the beast's harness, then
his own, lay down and slept.

He woke again at a sound : one beat at the door and
shook it. Came a voice : " Gramfer, Gramfer, oh let me in !
let me in, or I shall die ! " With that the door gave in.

Cried Agio vale: "Who comes?" But he knew by the
pure clear tone it was Laykin, the fair maid.

At his voice she caught her breath with a gasp of terror,
and before he could reach the door she was off scurry-footed
into the night. Out he strode and stood to listen. A half-
uttered cry reached him, and the souse of a body into water ;
and lightly he went forward, and found her lying in the water-
run, stunned or swooning.

He lifted her and carried her up to the hut. She was
drenched with mist and stream, and very cold. As quickly as
he could in the dark he loosed and stripped off her wet cloth-
ing, cloak and hood, bodice, kirtle, and smock, and laid her
naked in the warmed crib, and the warmed fleece over her.
He took off his own coat, leather, well lined and wadded, and
added that for her comfort. He broke the shoe-thongs,
unshod ice-cold feet, and sat down to chafe them strongly
with his hands. Then he thought heavily, for he knew quite

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

well how maidens take their terrors, and he doubted how to
deal, and he dreaded the trial.

She moaned a little as she came to herself. Poor maid !
her terrors took her hard. A strange man held her by the
feet ; a beast was snuffing and shifting close ; she breathed
a heavy aroma — horse, peat, heather, and the man's leather
coat blent their odours. And she lay stripped : even in the
dark the sense of nakedness was sharp and bitter. Suddenly
she tried to pluck away her feet, but they were held fast, and
at that she uttered a woeful sound, weak and pitiful, as the cry
of a trapped rabbit, and fell to shuddering.

"Peace, peace," said Aglovale, "you shall have no
harm."

He laid her feet between his knees, and chafed on steadily
from knee to ankle as he would soothe a frightened horse.
She whispered prayers while her teeth chattered.

" Mother Mary, pity ! Ah, dear God, pity ! Look down
and save me."

Aglovale said, " Amen."

She moaned, " Let me go ! let me go ! " and writhed and
beat vainly, and sank again, shuddering.

Said Aglovale : " Fair maid, I think you to be Laykin of
the farm ? "

" Yes," she said faintly. " But who are you ? "

Now Aglovale had no mind to tell' her his name, for it
might happen to sound little assurance to a maid.

" I am a knight of Galis," he said, " and I serve God and
King Arthur as truly as I can."

It was pitiful then to hear her entreat him by his knight-
hood to do her no wrong.

" Marry ! fair Laykin, but hold your peace and lie still. I
promise you by my knighthood, so help me God ! to take
you home to-morn good a maid as your mother bore you."

"Ah! sir, why do you hold my feet and force me against
my will ? Why have you taken my clothes and put me to
shame ? " She broke into tears and sobbed in terror and
distress.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 215

Aglovale put down her feet and stood up, grieved and
troubled ; for a many foul wrong on his conscience told him he
deserved her mistrust, and as he was a sinful man he remem-
bered pleasures. Would to God he did not ! He took up her
wet clothes, opened the door, and, standing outside, wrung
them out one by one ; and he put them to drain, some on a
nail, and some he laid over the door's edge.

Dry fleece brushed him. He caught at it, and as she slid
past and left it in his hand he caught her by the hair. She
cried out for pain, for his handling was not gentle then ; he
gripped her fast and swung her from her feet ; her lithe body
was hard to hold, and she strove with him. He set to the
door and bore her back to the crib.

" For God's sake, maiden," he said fiercely, " spare me as
you would be spared. You will make me my truth overhard
to keep."

She dropped still and inert as he put her down on the
heather, for she had swooned again. Thick moisture was on
his hand ; he tasted and found it was blood.

Then Aglovale knew not what to do. As he caught her
by the door, short he trowed that he must go out into the
night and leave her to shake alone. His clothes he could
leave her, and his horse, whose great furnace of a body shed
warmth. The short close had stirred him; there was very
danger he knew. But she was bleeding, swooning, a forlorn
and frightened child, and he deemed it would be unworthy to
avoid and leave her out of dread. He kneeled down and
prayed hard till she stirred.

" Poor maid, you are hurt ? "

" My head, my head," she moaned. " No, no, never touch
me. It is nothing, but it hurts. Oh, my head ! "

She was weeping and shaking like ague with cold and
fear just as before.

" Laykin, child, listen ! I have prayed and promised to use
you as I would, put case I had a daughter here in this plight.
God has set us here doubtless for our good. Pray you to
mighty God for me that I father you well in thought and deed."

216 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

She lay quiet, weeping softly. " Oh, my father ! oh, my
own father ! "

" Child," said Aglovale, " my body is warm and yours is
very cold. Cover in and lie close to me and get warmth."

He lay down by her side.

The touch of him blotted out every word he had used.
She was up again, desperate in her terrors.

"This shall end!" said Aglovale. "There is but one
remedy. God can keep me my will true though the Devil
burn my body."

He drew her down, roughly covered her, and held her
helpless from head to foot with more force than enough. She
shrieked only once ; she made but one frenzied effort, then she
lay panting, lax and spent. The man against her lay as quiet
as in sleep. So they rested together awhile without stir or
speech.

Came a sigh from Laykin, and she quavered meek, " Sir,
you are so heavy."

Aglovale shifted a little, happed her about well with coat
and fleece, and said gently, with a broken voice, " Praise God
and go to sleep. We are safe enough."

He felt her grow warm by degrees, her breathing became
soft and regular, and at last she slept like a child in his arms.
Half asleep she turned and nestled against him.

Aglovale in his heart laughed for joy. He felt no trouble
at all. He had lain down with her ready to endure a night of
fires, and, lo ! peace and exultation came. All night he lay
awake and enjoyed sinless, soft and warm and fragrant,
though she lay against him. With the creep of dawn he
too slept.

CHAPTER XXII

WITH the dawn came a breeze that swept up the mist,
and the sun got play. Thirteen weary men were glad
of the day; some ranged the upland, and some the
slopes between the farm and the lower homestead. At the
parting of the mist one spied a point of light ; it was the tip
of a spear reared upright against the hut. At the lintel was a
narrow flutter of white. He cried a signal that was passed
along, and ran; and as he ran he began to curse deep, for
he could see that the white was a woman's smock. He came
near and peered through the chink, and he saw what he
thought he should see. Others were in sight running, so he
drew away and waited.

Sir Agio vale awoke suddenly, alive to day and danger ; and
the maid Laykin woke as he rose and softly covered her.
And as she remembered, and saw the strange man who had
lain with her, and felt the light of day upon her, and his eye,
she crimsoned and hid her face.

Aglovale went to the door and looked out. Hastily he
took down her clothes and laid them beside her.

" Don, up quickly, and shut your ears against ugly words,
for there are some without who will give me a heat for your
sake."

He took his sword, and as he was, unarmed and coatless,
stepped out and shut the door.

Four men stood speaking together at a little distance ; and
afar off two more were coming, and behind these yet another,
slower-footed. The four came at him straight, armed with the

217

218 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

long staves that moorsmen use over the moss. Sir Aglovale
put the point of his sword to ground, and lifted his hand. They
were not to be stayed so; but he had no mind to kill. He
did but jerk up his sword and shorten two staves at a stroke;
a third he avoided and caught in his hand, but the fourth got
home and knocked him Sailings.

They pinned him down and wrested away his sword.
Then they set upon him in plain speech.

" God 'a mercy, men ! " said Sir Aglovale ; " let me up now
you have won me. You say wrong. I have ravished no maid
this night."

At that one fetched him a blow that took his breath.

" Vile knight, do you say you found her no maid ? "

Said another, " So sure as she is no maid you shall be no
man."

Said Sir Aglovale, faintly, " Sooth, men, your maid is a
maid yet for aught I have done with her."

Came answer, " Liar ! for with my two eyes I saw you
together."

" Beshrew your two eyes ! They gave you false reading."

" The maid shall say. Laykin, Laykin ! "
- They set Sir Aglovale on his feet when they had bound his
hands; and one went to the door and cooed some grieved
words to their poor dove. Then Laykin came out.

The men cursed again, for she was pitiful to see. Her
clothes, all damp, clung to her ; she was very pale ; there was
blood on her hair, and, as she put up her hand to her head,
her arm showed bruises. Scared and bewildered she looked
at the knight and her four kinsmen, and then her blood rushed
high and she covered her face with both hands.

" Laykin, what has this knight done to you ? Has he
shamed you anyway ? "

She could scarcely be heard behind her hands, but she
answered, "Yes."

" Has he lain with you and forced you ?"

Again she said, " Yes."

" Maiden," cried Sir Aglovale, amazed, " you will kill me ! "

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 219

He took a step towards her, but they forced him back.
" Child," he said, " this is lying more perilous than that we
had in the dark. Ah ! child, is it as innocent ? "

She put down her hands, and looked at him with troubled
eyes.

"Good uncles, I have something to say to this knight.
Stand away, good uncles, and let us speak alone together."

" Laykin, no ! "

" I must ! I must speak to him, and alone."

" Laykin, no. You shall not speak save in your father's
presence."

Tears came. " Oh, my father, my father ! would he were
come."

" He will come soon enough, and he will work this. Go
in, Laykin, you have said enough."

And then as two more came up, Laykin, weeping, went
hastily from fresh eyes and the hearing of shame told.

In vain Sir Aglovale spoke ; they cursed the truth to scorn.
Last came the old man, and he took order of the matter more
soberly than his sons.

" Poor maid ! poor maid ! " he muttered, with his eyes
screwed hard into distance.

" Sons," he said, " this is less my business than yours, and
less yours than your brother's. He will be come anon. As
the man is a knight he may deal with him not as you would.
Bring him along. I will mount Laykin and bring her after."

" Good-man," said Sir Aglovale, " as I am a knight I would
gladly meet one of my degree to answer with my body, knightly,
that the maid is as she should be, for that this night throughout
I held her virgin, and right so would uphold her virgin name
and fame."

The old man turned in a sudden fury. " One of you fetch
me out one of his knightly spurs to cram in his knightly throat
if he offer more knightly prate. Yea, ravisher, truly you shall
answer with your body, but whether as a man or a knight is
not yours to choose ; that rests with my sons, or their brother.
Take him away ! "

220 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

He made for the door, but halted to say, "What is his
name? Hey? Not asked? Sir Ravisher, will you to be
known to us by any other name ? "

" I take no keep, but ye may know my name is Sir Aglovale
de Galis."

The old man sucked in a long breath with a whistle of
dismay. Dismay was on the faces of his sons; they stood
without stir or speech, and looked agape on each other and
the knight. Step by step the old man came back to look him
close in the face.

" Sir Aglovale de Galis ! " he said at hush; " King Pellinore's
son ! By Gum ! here is a hot brew. Sons, take him away."

He stood fixed and staring till they were gone.

Now Sir Aglovale took himself heavily. By the looks and
silence of these churls he deemed that the blame of evil living
still rested on his name. His day-spring was overcast; he
sank from the lift that had made light of misadventure and
miscarriage. And the blow dealt him had done bodily mis-
chief. The churls were nimble moorsmen, and they took him
at a rapid pace that tried him hard. The two that led him
did not speak at all. Others fell in with them as the miles
passed ; and these, hearing his name and his guilt, stood with
dismayed faces as he was taken past, and they spoke little and
low as they came along with those behind. There were twelve
brothers in all.

The blithe note of a hunter's horn rang faintly up. " Ah !
he has come," said one, and after that they tramped all in
dead silence. At a turn of the road the homestead was in
sight ; and there, on the green, stood a noble horse, and grey-
hounds were leaping at play. But nearer, close at hand from
the rickyard, one unseen was shouting the herdman's call :

" Coo-wup, coo-wup, coo-wup ! brothers, brothers, brothers !
Where is my little white heifer ? "

Aglovale should know that voice. His brother, Sir Tor,
swung out into the road and stood before him.

" Brothers ! " said Sir Tor, and stopped dead.

And Sir Aglovale stopped dead.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 221

" Men ! " cried Tor, high, " it is my brother, Sir Aglovale ! "

He took a step, and stopped dead again, for he was
smitten with dread at the eyes of twelve brothers; and Sir
Aglovale was changing colour red and white.

" We know that, lord brother. Sir Tor, he has done you
villainy. Your white heifer has been covered by that black
bull."

" That is false," said Aglovale.

Tor set his eyes upon him, and regarded none other.
Aglovale came up to him close, looked him in the eyes, and
made sure of him. Then he smiled, and Tor heaved a great
breath.

" Men," he said, " that is false."

He took Sir Aglovale by the neck and kissed him ; and
he cut him free. But as soon as he looked on his other
brothers, the grim pity of their stubborn faces daunted him.

" Where is my little maid ? "

" Alas ! poor maid, she has come to grief : she is no maid
now. That false brother of yours has taken her maiden-
hood."

Again Tor turned to regard Sir Aglovale.

" Not so ; she has her maidenhood unharmed. I knew
not whose daughter she was; but I took and kept her as a
clean virgin, and clean she is."

" Brothers," said Tor, " I know you say wrong."

" Hear an eye-witness, lord brother. I saw. He lay with
your daughter. He had her stripped even of her smock. I
saw her so in his arms."

Tor wheeled, white and staring. " Mercy, Aglovale !
answer quick ! "

" Never fear, Sir Tor, though he says but what he saw.
I lay with her, as you might have lain with her, for her comfort
and warmth."

" Stripped, Sir Aglovale ? "

" Yea, so. I found her drenched and cold and swooning.
To the dark I unclothed her, and with my own coat wrapped
her."

222 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Said Tor, " Swear you to this ? Swear this is all the truth
and no worse."

" Before God, it is all the truth as it stands for Doomsday.
I have not trespassed in thought or deed."

" Mercy, Sir Aglovale," said Tor, with a sob ; " I would
scarce believe this on the word of any knight alive but you.
Ye brothers good and true, look you ! Sir Aglovale is beyond
you my best and truest brother. I take his word and believe
him."

" Your own eyes you must believe, Sir Tor, when you have
seen your daughter, as some of us have seen her. She is
bruised ; she is torn ; she weeps."

" God in heaven ! " cried Tor, in an agony.

Aglovale put a hand on him to steady him. "Ah, Tor,
you cry out causeless. As you love me, get rid of these churls
awhile, and take comfort."

Tor struck away his hand. " These churls are my brothers,
Sir Aglovale, just as near to me as you are." He stared now
with dangerous eyes, and his voice went high and small.
" And none of these have ever ravished."

It was grievous. Then said Aglovale, short and hard,
"That I could tell of them that looked on your daughter.
They, for sure, never were acquainted with the mien of a
spoiled maid, her eyes, her voice. God grant you have better
discernment."

" Pardon me, Sir Aglovale," said Tor, with tears ; " and ye
all ! take back your words and be sorry for your error. This
is a knight who in right and in wrong utters truth ; and well
he deserves that his plain word should be taken against any
man's oath."

" We be churls, lord brother, and sons of Aries le Vaysher ;
and he is a knight, and son of King Pellinore. But we be
honest men, begotten of an honest man ; and he is a ravisher,
begotten of a ravisher."

" Cease ! say not so to me, King Pellinore's son."

"We say so as we are your mother's sons. And our
Laykin has mother's blood, and is ours as well as yours.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 223

And now she is as our mother was when your father had done
with her, and your father's son has been the doer."

" Oh, churls," cried Tor, "where is my dear daughter? I
will see her and know for myself. Cease, Sir Aglovale ! Cease
all, lest I go mad ! "

Said Aglovale, "God give you wisdom and patience
when you do see her. For alas ! Tor, I ruffled your poor bird
in the dark, and I doubt you will not find her smooth."

Tor turned desperate. "What is this? How do you
mean ? Speak ! For God's sake, Sir Aglovale, put me out of
this misery. Oh, quick ! pierce me in and out. Give no
denial, you have touched too far for cure. Only put me past
this misery. How shall I not find her smooth ? "

" I was rough. She speaks me amiss."

" Aye, Sir Tor, she speaks. We churl men go for naught,
but you will hear your own daughter, and what she says is not
smooth to hear."

" Is this your meaning, Sir Aglovale ? "

Hopeless to spare his brother, Aglovale said, "Yes."
Nothing he could say would profit at this pass.

" Go on, brothers ; what has she said ? "

" As we told you, that he has lain with her and forced
her."

" Is this what she says, Sir Aglovale ? "

" Yes," said Aglovale, again.

The churl brothers beheld in wonder the two unhappy men,
for they suffered in fortitude and silence, and no words of
protest or rebuke passed between them. Sir Tor was as still
as stone. Sir Aglovale swayed and breathed hard. Neither
looked at the other, for each had a double load of grief as
much as he could bear. Long minutes wrung by before Sir
Tor spoke.

" Where is my dear ? " he said, and took a step.

Already some were aware of the sound of hoofs approaching,
that Sir Aglovale did not hear as his heart was all on his
brother. There was weeping among the churls, for they had
to mind that they who were charged to keep the maid had

224 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

failed. Yet gentle Sir Tor forbore harsh language. He spoke
to Sir Aglovale, but did not look at him.

"I do not think to kill you, Sir Aglovale, even for this.
Go, live, for you are my father's son."

Out spoke the churls fierce and eager, " No, Sir Tor, you
need not kill him. Leave him to us, and we will deal with
him as he deserves."

Sir Tor turned. "Leave Sir Aglovale to himself. He
needs no juster judge and no harder."

Round the bend came Aries le Vaysher, with Laykin
mounted on the knight's horse ; and Aglovale, right glad, took
breath seeing his time was come to speak.

" Fair dear brother," he said, " now take your misery with
both hands, and turn it inside out, for it is folly and untruth.
Let your churl brothers kill me shamefully if this niece of
theirs and mine prove no maid. Look at me, Tor ! Could I
look you in the face had I done the deed you think and found
her to be your daughter? Oh, fair fool brother, I would rather
go quick to hide in Hell."

Tor wavered at the force of his words, and, looking at him,
tears of hope sprang to his eyes. Laykin slipped down and
came running, for she saw her father ; and then stopped short,
for she saw Sir Aglovale.

Cried Tor, " Colombe, my dove, my dear ! "

Straight to his arms she sped, and he held her close and
kissed her.

Aries le Vaysher came and stood. He was mum and hard,
and plainly would not serve for any better information. Sir
Aglovale was troubled, seeing the tight-shut mouth and hostile
eyes screwed against him. He had thought that the old man
might come to lift the sky with a word ; for surely, alone with
the maid, one of authority and old and shrewd would lightly
have learned the truth.

Then Sir Tor put back his daughter and surveyed her, and
his hope was well-nigh daunted to death when he saw the
marks of violence upon her, and the blemish of distress on her
fair face, and the painful colour that rose under his eye.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 225

"Colombe, dear daughter, what is the truth? What has
this knight done ? "

She whispered, low, "He has shamed me," and fell
a-weeping.

" Ah, child, be plain. Speak in as plain words as you can."

She whispered louder, " He has lain with me and forced
me." And then she quavered, " Oh, take me away ! Here
are all so many."

Still Sir Tor held her off, and regarded her with pressing
doubt not extinguished by her words ; for had she indeed the
eyes and the voice of a maid ravished? His brother had
spoken shrewdly. Tor looked to him again desperately.

Said Aglovale, " Bid her face me."

" So do, daughter : face this knight."

She obeyed, and turned a face dyed with blushes, and lifted
troubled eyes.

" God bless the maid ! " said Aglovale, " she speaks as a
maid who knows no worse what to speak. She should go to
her mother."

She said, "Ah, fair father, let me speak with the knight
alone."

" Child, as you love me, speak out bravely here and now
in my presence."

She shrank and said, " No, no."

Said Aglovale, grim, " I tell you that, saving your father's
presence and better right, I would be dealing as forcibly for
good with your maiden understanding as I did with your
maiden body."

She took shelter in her father's arms.

"Oh, cease!" said Tor. "She shall not suffer rude
language. She shall go to my mother."

" Give me leave for a moment more," said Aglovale ; " and
I promise to go gently.

" Remember, child, how I promised to deal with you as a
daughter. Know that in every truth you are but one degree
less near to me than a daughter, for I am your father's brother,
Sir Aglovale de Galis."
Q

226 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

She said, " My uncle ! " and fronted him with wide eyes.

Said Aglovale, " Now, child, look at your father and listen
well, and answer me once. When I made you lie with me
against your will, and had you in my arms, in what particular
did I not father you as truly as your own father, Sir Tor ? "

Obediently Colombe listened, with face upturned to her
father.

She answered timidly, " Namely, sir, but in one particular :
put case you had been my own father, truly you would have
kissed your daughter."

Aries le Vaysher was the first to laugh. Tor laughed and
wept together as he held her fast.

" O foolish little simpleton, to ado about nothing ! "

The twelve brothers fell to laughter. Sir Aglovale was
smiling ; and said he, " I will make amends, Laykin Colombe,
if it please you."

It did not please her; she shrank from him. The rude
laughter of the men brought out fresh blushes and tears.

Said Tor, "Lightly, daughter, go speak alone with Sir
Aglovale."

" No, no," she said in dismay ; " not now."

" How now, silly bird ! "

In strange confusion she stood, and her face grew burning
red.

" Oh, I cannot : I did not know him for my uncle. Oh,
mercy ! Let me from such shame and sin."

"Where are we now?" cried Aglovale. "Sir Tor, speak
you alone with her."

" No, no," she said again, " for ye are brothers."

" Marry ! how these maids do try us men. So, ye men,
guess what ado I had to deal with her gently in the dark."

That rude laughter of the men had brought out another.
Beyond the rickyard gate stood the old mother, shading her
eyes to look.

" O Grammer ! " cried Colombe.

" In good time ! " said Sir Tor. " Begone, O ruffled dove,
and get from her a little wisdom."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 227

She went like a bird to its nest.

But soon as she was gone those two strong brothers came
to themselves and each other, shaken and weak from the strain
that had tried them so, almost past bearing. Sir Tor kneeled
down before his brother, and scarcely could he speak.

He said brokenly, " God reward you and bless you for that
you have done and suffered by me and mine."

With one accord the churl brothers kneeled also. " God
love you, sir, and forgive us our bloody words."

Sir Aglovale kneeled down also, and worshipped devoutly
in his heart ; and he uttered aloud praise and thankings to God
Almighty who had fathered them all in the dark.

But Aries le Vaysher did not kneel. He looked on with
tight mouth and hard screwed eyes ; and as soon as they rose
up, said he, deliberately : " I knew sure enough all along that
she was well a maid."

He hugged himself and chuckled. " How ? From Laykin
over and over. But from her very first words I knew."

Sir Aglovale muttered, " Here is not such a genuine
blind fool as I deemed, but a cruel knave."

Aries went on, " First thing says Laykin, she would not
have minded so much, says Laykin, had it been her old
Gramfer's doing."

He chuckled wickedly, and his sons were tickled to loud
laughter again.

" Eh, sons ! I might have whistled you back : but not I."

" Sonties ! " said the sons, " but that was unkindness."

" Eh, sons ! " he said, slow and hard. " But I choose to
leave the son of his father to stew."

He eyed Sir Aglovale with surly satisfaction, unmoved by
the stir among his sons. They blew against him for their part,
and for Sir Tor's.

Said Aries, "As for Sir Tor, he is no son of mine;
so, says I, the pair of them might sweat it out together. As
for you, sons, a set of blind fools you were, and now you
know."

" Look you, father, had we killed the knight amongst us

228 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

you would have been damned for the deed, and Sir Tor
presently after would have been ready to kill you also."

"No, no," said the old man. "It was not killing you
meant, sons. And I know Sir Tor better than that : he would
not think to slay his brother. No, nor would he lay hands
upon one who had fathered him well for eighteen years, when
he was a very undutiful son."

"We be sons to a hoary head of disgrace to us all.
God defend that we sons pay for this devilling of our
father!"

The old man regarded the two brothers of noble blood.
Their strong content with each other stood them above petty
resentment.

" Eh, sons, these be two king's sons, who have paid smart
for their father and his trespassing in my field. If they grudge
at the price, I will pay them back well on their father's name
all that is due."

Said Sir Tor, "Father Vaysher, you are a poorer man
than I knew, and I grudge not your price."

Said Sir Aglovale, "By my father's soul, had I to pay
dearer for that trespass of his, I would gladly, for the sake of
this brother of mine who was then begotten."

Aries stood blinking and rubbing his chin, and took no
heed to his sons who opened mouth again. Then said he
in a sort of fury : " By Gum ! King Pellinore by right and by
wrong has begot rare good sons." He added soberly, " God
rest his soul, and give him joy of his son Sir Aglovale de
Galis, for that he is passing good, gentle, and honest, by
proof on a fair young maid and a foul old churl. And he
King Pellinore's son ! "

" God keep him to peace ! " muttered Aglovale.

"By your leave, Father Vaysher," said Sir Tor, smiling,
" I would show this rare man to my mother."

" By your leave, lord son," said Aries, sharply, " I would
show this rare man to my wife." He turned about. " Here,
my lord Sir Aglovale, is your coat, and there is my house.
Use the one as freely as you do the other."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Gramercy ! " said Sir Aglovale. " Sooth, I am starving
outside and in."

At that Aries trudged ahead briskly, and then Sir Tor said
softly, " Truly he loved me better than any of his own sons ;
and he took it sore knowing that I was not his, and grudged
me to my father. He is a good man ; he never miscalled my
mother."

CHAPTER XXIII

ARIES LE VAYSHER stood at his own door-cheek with
oaten cakes and mead. He offered a cake with due
ceremony, kneeling to one knee, and Sir Aglovale took
and broke it with him and ate. And so came all the others ;
each in turn came and set his knee against Sir Aglovale's foot,
and offered him his cake to break and eat. Orderly the same
Aries offered the bowl, and Sir Aglovale took and drank ; and
after him drank all the rest, each upon his knee, Sir Aglovale
standing among them as a King's son and a Queen's son.

" Now sons begone and get to work," said Aries ; and to
Sir Aglovale he said, " Now put your hand upon me, my lord,
and upon your brother, and come in."

So, with a hand upon the shoulder of each, he was brought
within, up to the hearth and the old wife's nook.

" Good-wife," said Aries, " stand up and make your rever-
ence, for here I bring you one that is a King's son and
a Queen's son, Sir Aglovale de Galis, who is as good and true
a make of man as your son Sir Tor."

He put the knight's hand upon her, wheeled about, and
went.

Tor's mother drew his hand down to her bosom, and over
it folded her two withered hands, all shaking. " May God
bless you, sir," she quavered at hush. " God bless Sir Aglovale
de Galis. God bless my son's good brother. God bless King
Pellinore's son." Her kind old eyes were steady and serene
as she looked him hard in the visage, though she was greatly
moved.

Tor brought her to her nook, and settled her against her
230

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 231

will ; for said she, " Son Tor, your brother is a Queen's son,
and your mother is a poor churl s wife."

Said Aglovale, kneeling beside her, "Good mother, my
father's Queen took your son to her heart." And at that the fair
old woman forgot herself, and embraced him like a son, calling
him so. And like a mother with a son confiding at her knee,
she, whom his father had spoiled in her may-day, heard him
tell over all he had done in the night with Laykin Colombe.
She marvelled greatly, with no words to give but a simple
refrain, " Eh, well to be sure ! " Once she said, " Ah, sir,
you have your father's eyes. Eh, well to be sure, God rest
his soul ! " and flushed delicately.

Her son Tor sat at her feet, very still, listening ; and when
all was told he said, " Where is this poor little maid of mine ? "

The old mother rose up. " She flew off as you came in.
Eh, poor child, she takes it very hard. I will go fetch her to
presently."

" O wise mother, give me some light ! What does she
take so hard and against comfort ? "

" Sonties ! my son, she knew herself naked as a needle in
a man's hands ; and sure, nakedness is the hardest shame a
maid finds to bear till she passes to be no maid. For what
a maid knows by her mind is but half known and dead ; but
shame of nakedness she knows by her body all over, and it is
alive and very keen."

" Brother," said Tor, " does this answer suffice you ? "

" No, I guess there is more to uncoil."

" Eh, ye menkind, but have patience, and I will find her
out. Give me time and have patience."

When she was gone, Tor stood silent and moody, and
Aglovale read him and waited.

Said Tor, low, " Brother Sir Aglovale, I said an unkind
word to you in our trouble."

" Alas ! " said Aglovale, " but it was just enough ; and
sooth your forbearing to speak was harder to bear."

" Ah, pardon me, Aglovale, what I shall say ; but I would
know what I have no right to ask."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" I will answer."

" You kept chastity in deed. You kept my daughter her
maidenhood. O fair brother, an I do bear in mind what you
were once, it is with worship and wonder for what you are
now. Yet though the past is past, it has been, and it was
exceeding foul with lechery: that we all knew, though you
were secret. Alas ! Aglovale, that was a stale field for your
folding my dear daughter. I doubt but the taint of it has
reached her, and troubles her as for sin."

Said Aglovale, " Fair brother, is that your whole doubt ? "

" No, but the edge of it."

" Give the heart of it."

" Fair brother, we are men and knights, and no saints, and
between us goes no word to blame sin on what is done in the
heart. That is for God, who knows all ; but also maybe for
a maid awaked, who knows little, and takes her perceptions for
sin."

"Ah, Tor, but I think she is not awaked; and as God
knows, I did no wrong even in my heart."

" Can this be, and you a man not as Percivale was ; no,
nor even as Sir Lamorak and I, faulty men ; no, nor even as
Sir Durnor, a loose liver ; but extreme. Can such corruption
as yours be shed off until you shed your body to dust ? "

" Faith, no ! No such joy. No hope ! Howbeit, glad I
was verily, and the night went sweet with maiden Colombe
sleeping in my arms."

" Sweet, you say, and blameless ? "

Said Aglovale, smiling, " Simple man, burning had not
been sweet."

"As God made us! How came you by so much
chastity ? "

" I do believe only as I came by so innocent a maid."

He was smiling still, and Tor said, " Is this jest or
earnest ? "

" No jest. I do but consider how the dread I had of the
maid was as needless as the dread she had of me."

" You dreaded."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

"Sooth, I did. For the last night I passed with woman
was that with Annowre, the whore Sir Durnor set on me.
Now I could thank him for that proof, though there was dread
in the remembrance."

" How, dread ? You were tried but you did not sin."

" Sooth, in my heart I did, though I kept my will and I
kept my sword. Sure, Tor, had I so burned by your daughter,
though she should have risen a maid, she would not have been
so innocent in her blood of a man's desire as I do know
she is."

Said Tor, hot and troubled, " How do you know she is ? "

" I looked into her eyes ; there was no dread of me. The
shame she felt was but skin deep. She knows no more than
her mother taught her. I have taught her nothing at all."

"This is too fine a point. You cannot know. God
forgive you, Aglovale ! Have you brought innocency to scorch
before and not devoured ? "

Aglovale lost colour, and his face was drawn and haggard
as he answered low.

" I have, once. That was Gilleis, my love Gilleis. I
never touched her all night through. I put my sword into her
hands, and never moved. She was a maid, and good, and
I a wicked man. In my heart I did what I meant to do ; and
she could not help but know, as I willed she should know.
By me she knew she was flesh to desire ; mine, for she did
not kill me. And so I am alive, and she is dead."

Her name was a gaping wound. Fifteen years old was
that grief, and still it was unhealed.

Upon morne silence spoke Tor, " Fair dear brother, may
you never forgive yourself for evil done with ? Have you not
put away your sins ? Yea, more, have you not now put away
and redeemed the father's sin that begot me ? My mother
blesses you ; Aries le Vaysher, and all his sons worship you
for your clear forbearance and continence with man and maid,
you that were once most lewd and of a most intolerable
temper."

Aglovale looked at his brother, marvelling and sad. Then

234 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

he said, " God is good, and my reward is with me." Then
he said, " I say to you, Tor, that rather have I to worship you
and your daughter that no devil did claw me to any purpose."

" How ? — me and my daughter ? "

" Forbearance, Tor ! I was in the field of your great
goodness. You, even in your heart, you did not kill me;
you uttered no vengeance ; you spoke fair, I think, with sorrow
for me.

"And as for continence, I was in the field of simple
virginity with your daughter, and by virtue of her innocence I
was staid.

"Three nights have I chambered with woman without
trespass in deed : with Gilleis, my love, with the whore
Annowre, and with your daughter Colombe. With Gilleis I
sinned in my heart wilfully, with Annowre against my will,
but with Colombe neither in will nor work."

" By my soul, I doubt not," said Tor. " I am the gladder
for you." He halsed his brother fast with a sigh profound.
" Lo ! Aglovale, my heart within me grows big to take you in
all. Forgive that child of mine should her heart be too small
and weak to take you in at all."

Aglovale put him off as lightly as he could. " As for that,
let be till she have the heart content of a wedded wife. And
I trust waiting may not be overlong, so you hear with good
will what suit I have in hand."

He told then all how he had lost and won with Sir
Hermind; and he entered his suit, that with very good will
Tor received.

Came Aries le Vaysher in upon them, and Sir Tor took
him to question.

" Eh, sirs ! Has Laykin fair not come to yet ? "

He chuckled and shuffled like an old satyr as he told over
again how lightly he had come at truth. She rated her
Gramfer like a good one, she did, just for changing his mind
to come in after the lads. Then she turned to pleading for
her heifer to live, heard that was past praying for, and took
to such a weeping that a man had to laugh.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 235

Also, said Aries, Laykin was ready enough to tell her silly
ramble-gambol. She fooled her uncles, without design, with
mere come and go shilly-shally; so these thought she had
departed, and those thought she had stayed, whereas she had
slipped off and gone scudding to seek a gadding old wight.
Then the mist came to mither her, and the night to clam her ;
she lost her footing, and came by a cut head ; she fell into the
water-run, and had the wit to follow it up to the springs, and
so to the hut. And there she came to herself, naked, with
a masterful knight, who did what he pleased with her, and
put her to sleep.

Entered Tor's mother, with Laykin Colombe, fair old age
and fair youth hand in hand, their eyes of the same periwinkle
blue. The old mother was smiling. Colombe was all freshly
and orderly arrayed. Very shy and brave and humble, she
stood a moment, mounting rose above her paleness, then
quitted her hold, came straight to her father and kneeled
down.

" Fair dear lord my father, forgive me. I have been most
foolish and perverse."

Sir Tor took her and brought her to Sir Aglovale.

" Offer amends, daughter, where most is due."

Colombe kneeled again. " Fair lord and uncle Sir Aglovale,
I would make amends."

Sir Aglovale lifted her to her feet. " So, niece Colombe,
you forgive that I used you roughly?" He looked at her
bruised arm. " Eh, roughly ! Sooth I am sorry, child."

Said Sir Tor, watching her, "Sir Aglovale would make
amends, child, so you refuse him not again."

She blushed deeper, but lifted her fair face with innocent
eyes, and Sir Aglovale kissed her.

Said her father, " Now shall you tell Sir Aglovale, openly
or in secret, that word you had to say."

" Ah, it was folly ! " she said, and her colour rose to
scarlet.

" That I doubt not. I bid you speak out, for penance on
folly already spoken."

236 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" I thought no wrong," she faltered. " I did not know
you my uncle." She took a breath, and spoke out bravely
though abashed. "Fair sir, I wished to ask you — if you
would be pleased — to marry me."

" Fair niece, and wherefore ? "

She covered her face. " I was so ashamed. You made
me naked and ashamed."

" I tell you, Laykin Colombe, that the covering of a smock
is not the closest wear a maid has to her shame. Truly I
found you in your skin, clothed well enough in virtue and
modesty, and you have no cause to be ashamed. So, as you
know, child, you were not laid bare of these, put down your
hands into mine and look up."

She put her hands into his, and she looked up.

" Colombe," said Sir Tor, " do you know what slander you
uttered?"

" Yea, I do know. But it was foolishness, not falsehood."

" Do you know that not clothing and not virtue had kept
you from worst shame had you lain with a man not well
endued in chastity and good will ? "

" Yea, I do know," she said.

" Fair niece," said Aglovale, " when you slept in my care
I loved you well, though not according to marriage ; it would
please me well to have you in marriage with my ward and
heir, who is like to prove as noble and virtuous a man as Sir
Hermind who begot him and gave him to me."

Said Colombe, shy and sedate, " Fair uncle, bespeak me to
my father."

Said Tor, smiling, " This occasion is over-late, seeing you
were fairly proxy-wed last night : Sir Aglovale has bedded
you ; you were for asking your marriage of him ; and, with my
good will, marry you he shall as he pleases."

Thereafter so it came to pass : young Mariet and fair
Colombe loved and wedded; but neither Sir Tor nor Sir
Aglovale lived to see that day.

Aries le Vaysher and his sons made all the cheer they
might to worship Sir Aglovale well; and he sat it out with

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 237

a good countenance as a noble knight, and said no word to
trouble them. When he stood up at last he was unsteady,
and put out a hand to his brother. Smiling he said, " I have
had strong mead."

Then he looked over the men, and said, " Bid up privily
that brother of yours to me here."

That brother was he so unhappily ready and strong of his
hands. He came, and Sir Aglovale spoke with him apart, and
sent him away not so light as he came, and short to question.

Aries and his wife led Sir Aglovale to a dormer with a fair
large bed, where he was to lie with Sir Tor. They offered to
do off his clothes, but he would not suffer them, so with
homely biddings they departed, and saw him no more.

Aglovale sat down on the bed and rested there. Tor doffed
his clothes and lay down, and chid him kindly to make an
end of vigil. Therefore he rose wearily and put out the light ;
and in the dark, softly and leisurely, he put off his clothes and
lay down in the bed. Tor reached across and laid hand on
his brother • he felt the cilice that was upon him.

" Is this always so, brother ? " said Tor softly, and Aglovale
answered curtly, " Yea so."

Moved with compassion and brotherly affection, Tor
shifted closer to embrace him. Aglovale winced and gasped.

" What is here ! " said Tor, startled, and sat up.

" Peace and lie down, fair brother, but let me alone ; for I
am not whole enough to bear your love without pain."

" How ! is this the trouble of your old wound still with
you?"

"Yea so. It will always be with me. I shall never be
quite whole."

" Alas ! this is how you win no worship with your body."

" I have no hope to win worship now."

" Uncover to me, and let me assay to handle your hurt.
My virtue may be little, but my love is great."

" Gramercy, Tor," said Aglovale shortly, " you have ran-
sacked me enough for this day. Peace and lie down, and let
alone my body."

238 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Tor kissed his cheek, and sighed as he lay down, for he
had tasted tears. And still as he lay he sighed heavily, till
Agio vale said wearily, "Take peace, Tor. You trouble
needless. I tell you, though I lie down to sleep in penance
and pain, I wake refreshed and at ease, for I have sound and
perfect rest without a dream. When hope forsook me I found
that blessing, and thank God it has never failed me. Take
my peace upon you and sleep."

Tor felt his hand laid heavy on his heart. "May God
bless you Tor, for you have comforted me often, but it is not
in you to heal me."

Tor blessed him to God again and lay still ; and against
the tranquil pressure of his brother's hand he ceased to heave
troubled breath, and soon he lay a-sleeping, sound and
dreamless.

But Aglovale lay broad awake; and when he felt that
slumber was deep enough, he stole away his hand, and, moving
carefully, left the bed. Very softly and leisurely he did on his
clothes, and made his way quietly through the sleeping house
to the door alatch, and issued to the moony night. Up stood
the churl Flynn from shadow, and silently led the way through
the rickyard to where his horse waited ready. Said Sir
Aglovale, groaning, " Man, you have half slain me. Now take
me away to end or to mend, and keep me to yourself."

CHAPTER XXIV

KING ARTHUR was holding his court at Carlisle when Sir
Tor again met his brother. Passing eager was he to see
him again, by reason of a certain thing he had heard of
him there, from the new-made suffragan of Carlisle, sometime
Prior elsewhere. That good hard man had aged and ripened
well ; and when a certain young clerk told him how Sir Tor
awaited all-comers for tidings of his brother, kindly he sent for
him, to impart that he knew ; and seeing how true and tender
was his brotherly affection, he was moved to advise with him
fully, in so far as he was free of his office to put off reserve.
He told more than he knew. This was his tale.

As in autumn past he was on his way to the call of his
Archbishop, a churl with a great horse met him near nightfall,
and prayed him to go with him, to bless six foot of earth for a
Christian grave, and a Christian for to lie in it. So he left his
tired mule to his clerk, and mounted and rode as fast as he
could go ; and fleet the churl ran. Off the road he took him,
and far over moorland through the night, till they reached a
poor hut; and there in great pain and fever he found Sir
Aglovale, seeming near his end.

" Wellaway," said Tor, " if that hut I should know ! by
seven springs ? and that fleet churl. Wo, wo, what blame is
here?"

" I tell of no blame," said the suffragan.

Sir Aglovale's hurt, he said, he ransacked to good effect ;
but so perilous was it to do that first he confessed him and
made him ready to die ; and the churl came also to be shriven

239

240 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

clean; and he made the blessed Bread, and as Christian
brothers they received their Saviour and were greatly comforted.
Then he ransacked.

" Ah, Jesu ! " said Tor. " Tell me what was his hurt ? "

He said he found him broken-ribbed and bruised, with his
old wound laid open. And when he ransacked he discovered
there at his rib the old splinter of a spear ; and so he drew it
out and eased him.

Said Tor, quaking, " I misdoubt sore how this was done.
Ah, my brothers both ! may God mend you this bout. Yea,
Sir, be amazed and pitiful ; sure am I that churl was my brother
Flynn, near to me as Sir Aglovale ; a kindly man and most
staunch, but hasty withall, and passing strong for his size."

" I tell of no blame," said the suffragan, again.

" God above ! " cried Tor, " did my brother Sir Aglovale
think to die in the dark ! Did my brother Flynn think to bury
him in the dark ! And to leave me in the dark ! "

" Now rest you in the dark, Sir Tor, and deem no more
harm than what I am free to reveal."

What he had still to reveal was no little harm ; his search
discovered more than he could remove : a shred of iron, dis-
lodged from the bone, remained deep-seated so near the heart
that he dared not deal. He said certainly that Sir Aglovale
was not rightly fit to bear arms, nor ever again would be.
Then, as Sir Tor showed great distress, he spoke of noble
knights, as Sir Brastias, who, at the decline of their day, left
their place in the world to serve God in religious life. Sir Tor
took small comfort of that prospect for his brother, and he
carried away a heart lead-heavy.

Nigh upon the feast of Pentecost came Sir Aglovale and
Sir Hermind, bringing young Mariet before King Arthur on
request for the high order of knighthood.

Tor beheld his brother gaunt and languid, with his hand
now and then at his side ; yet scarce knew what to believe, for
he wore harness complete, his gaze was untroubled, he took
question and reproach with easy foil and composure, and his
grave smile played.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 241

That same day came to Carlisle Sir Urre of Hungary, seek-
ing one to heal him. Seven wounds he had that should never
be whole till searched by the best knight of the world, for so
had enchantment been wrought. Before King Arthur was this
tale told ; and, good and gracious, straightway he promised that
he himself and all of the Round Table there present should
assay the healing. Then was Sir Urre laid in a meadow beside
Eden river, and thither came the King and his knights. And
first Arthur courteously and gently handled the seven wounds
and failed ; and after him six kings handled and failed ; and
after them came knights more than an hundred and handled
and failed. Sir Urre's wounds bled more or less under each
hand, and he endured much and got no ease.

Sir Aglovale stood with the rest, and saw this doing, in
growing distress, his hand at his side. Sir Hermind and Sir
Tor touched and failed ; but he at his turn went and besought
King Arthur to excuse him ; very earnestly he prayed, saying
he was in no case to heal, for himself he was not sound. He
spoke in vain ; Arthur would set none excused. All grey and
trembling he took his place beside the wounded man, muttered
his prayers, and with shaking hand touched. Seven times at his
touch blood gushed, and Sir Urre winced and groaned.

" Well, well ! " said Arthur.

He whom I love so much in his nineteenth book tells how
an hundred and ten knights tried and failed ; and then came in
one more, even Launcelot, who desired very earnestly to be
excused. And there may be read how, when he had kneeled
and prayed, he searched the seven wounds in head and body
and hand, and all healed fair under his touch ; and how kings and
knights praised God on their knees ; and how Launcelot wept.

So a whole and lusty man Sir Urre rose up and went on
his feet into Carlisle church, a long array of clerks and knights
with him, to offer thanksgiving with the Te Deum.

There Launcelot lifted up his eyes and saw Sir Aglovale ;
with his head bowed down he kneeled and never moved, and
did not join in that hymn with his lips.

" Patrem immensae majestatis. Unum venerandum verum
R

242 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

et unicum Filium. Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum. Tu
Rex glorise Christe."

With the chanting Launcelot heard in his heart a mocking
word Sir Kay had passed.

" Well, well," said Kay, " Sir Urre would have found the
bare blade of Sir Aglovale less redoubtable than his bare hand."

" Judex crederis esse venturus."

Launcelot smote down his head.

"Te ergo quaesumus tuis famulis subire, quos pretioso
Sanguine redemisti."

Sir Aglovale stood aside in the dark of the aisle and watched
Sir Urre, as with King Arthur and Sir Launcelot he came
swinging by full of vigour. Launcelot lifted his eyes as he
came by, looked at him, faltered in his stride, faced forward
again, and passed. Aglovale, his hand against his side, stayed
breathless, motionless, wondering on the looks of Launcelot.

In honour of Sir Urre justs were called for the morrow. On
that day King Arthur bestowed on young Mariet the high order
of knighthood ; and gracious counsel he gave withall, for from
the first his heart had inclined greatly to the young man, in
whom he saw somewhat of the grace and spirit of his great
kinsman Lamorak. So Sir Mariet went out to be proved ; and
Arthur let the day be for the stranger and the young names,
withholding from the field his dangerous knights. Sir Tor and
Sir Hermind at his request took no part; but Sir Aglovale
armed and went out with Sir Mariet.

That was the last time that ever he laid spear in rest. He
broke no spear at all that day ; many courses he ran, and at
every course went down shocked over his horse's tail ; and in
the mellay he fared worse, and lay trampled till Sir Mariet
with much pain horsed him again, and brought him out of the
press ; and Sir Tor, white as a sheet, came down and persuaded
him away.

Then Tor spoke, " Oh, brother, it is no use. How many
times have you been overthrown this day ? "

" Twenty-four times as I count," said Sir Aglovale. " I
have done my best."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 243

" Wo ! Will you take no keep ? " said Tor. " It is no use.
Brother Sir Aglovale, I must speak. You will win worship no
more ; so forbear, for you stand to lose and lose. Bethink you
of your noble strain, and forbear this madness, if not for your
own sake, yet for theirs of your blood, that they tingle not for
their blood in you. For the sake of Sir Lamorak dead, for the
sake of Sir Mariet alive, bring not body and blood into slight
and derision."

Aglovale rested and eyed his brother hard. " How now so
pale, fair brother? Will your blood not tingle for me? Eh,
bastard, but you are near and dear enough to cry me for your
own sake."

Tor had no force nor skill to endure his scrutiny. " An
you love me," he cried, " only take some keep of your life — of
your life. Yea, for I know, I know — you left me unkindly yet
I do know."

" What ? " said Aglovale.

Tor pointed. " What has Flynn done ? " he sobbed.

Then followed some open speech. But as for all that
Flynn had done Sir Aglovale left that tale to a lighter day ;
how he carried him to the lonely hut and ensured secrecy and
tended him well ; how he played the fox nightly and for
sustenance prowled and robbed his brethren ; how he played
the devil and stole Sir Aglovale's shirt of hair, and wore it
privily himself to keep him from it, and was afterwards caught
out jigging over that prank ; how he dreaded against his death,
and, above all, against his dead body from a grave secret and
unhallowed, and fetched ghostly comfort unbidden; how he
played the man and dared Sir Aglovale to teach him against
his will, and before they parted taught him instead that he was
Flynn the Wrestler, thrice putting him down deftly and care-
fully ; how afterwards, willing well to be taught, he was dis-
appointed; whereupon he played the rogue and duped Sir
Aglovale, so that he contented him at last.

But at this time there was no talk outside the heart of Tor's
distress ; and Aglovale was passing weary.

"Stint this dole," he said. "These many years I have

244 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

carried this danger under the fifth rib unknown ; and howbeit
Flynn has struck it loose, I yet hope to meet another death,
straight and clean, from some noble knight, apart from the
blunder of a churl."

Sir Tor spoke then of noble knights ending their days, as
did Sir Brastias, in the way of devotion.

Said Aglovale, " I am no such noble knight as these."

Sir Mariet came in from the field, a sight to cheer ; joy and
pride aglow were blent with filial care and deference. Bravely
and modestly he answered of his deeds : he had been well
proved ; he had won worship ; twenty knights had he over-
thrown or pulled down, and but one, Sir Lavaine, had unhorsed
him.

Sir Lavaine had won the diamond, the prize of the justs ;
and he had set it in the hand of Sir Urre's sister, fair Felelolie.
Sir Mariet for his part had won more than he looked to win :
King Arthur had openly approved him ; had called him and
questioned him; had bidden him for privy audience to his
chamber.

When Sir Aglovale heard that he drew up with a drear
smile and eyes wide.

Sir Mariet put off his harness and made ready. He was
young and happy then, yet moisture came to his eyes as he
looked upon Sir Aglovale ; and he seeing that, for loving-kind-
ness went with him on his way, went all the way with him.
So they paced to the palace together, the worn-out knight and
the knight just proved, and through the thronged hall, and up
by a parclose stair to the gallery above nigh to the King's
chamber. Then Sir Aglovale blessed him to God and stood,
and Sir Mariet went on in to the King.

Aglovale looked after him with his drear smile. Almost
he knew what King Arthur had to say.

The gallery was dark with a screen of arras. From the
hall below mounted a surge of noise, voices tumbled together
or eddied sharp. Beyond the stairhead was a window, and Sir
Aglovale turned aside, and leaned out to rest and breathe. He
looked upon a narrow close ; two passed below, Lavaine and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 245

Felelolie. They turned to each other and kissed together. So
had he first seen the kiss of Gilleis and her true love long ago.

Presently from the Queen's parlour came down Sir Launcelot.
From the further reach of the gallery he espied one seated at
the window-sill, slumbering, he thought, and so lightly he trod
as he came. Then seeing it was Sir Aglovale he stood still.
He could look his full now at ease ; with all his heart he looked.

This was a man younger than he, still in the middle prime
of life, with the face of an old man deeply lined and worn ;
only close black hair kept truth to his years. The disfigure-
ment he bore seemed but the fit and final stroke to the havoc
that life had done.

He did not sleep. In the waft of stray fragments of speech
came his name, and he lifted his head. To sharpened senses
the strain of a voice carried distinct. For a byword and a
jest, not with malice against him, but lightly and currently, his
name was used in disparagement'; and that mocking sentence
of Sir Kay was quoted thereupon.

Aglovale sat upright, a man alone with himself, unconscious
of the eyes of Launcelot. A dark tinge stole up to ears and
hair and slowly faded ; but his breath came even, his eyes were
still and pensive, his hands lay open and quiet. For a moment
he stayed motionless after that voice was lost; with crossing
then he signed his body ; wearily he leaned to repose.

Sir Launcelot went backward, loth then to encounter any
but his own self. Through the partings of the arras he could
look down upon the hall and its throng of noble knights. All
those worshipped him as their best.

Down from the King's chamber came young Sir Mariet
stiff and blind. He came to the stair, and stood to breathe
and clear his eyes ; then he saw Sir Aglovale at the window
and turned aside to him. Launcelot moved further away lest
he should overhear.

Sir Mariet stood and spoke ; he kneeled down and spoke ;
he laid hold of Sir Aglovale's hand and bowed his head against
his knees. He was weeping. Sir Aglovale sat very still and
said little. He put down his hand upon the young man's head.

246 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Presently Sir Mariet got up from his knees and departed. Sir
Aglovale rested, his chin upon his hands.

Came Sir Launcelot and paused. Aglovale stood up and
his hand went to his side. Neither offered any form of saluta-
tion, but eye to eye in scrutiny long and deep waited silent.
Like a windy sea encompassing swung the voice of the full hall.

Said Aglovale, " Speak, sir ! Speak out on me what is in
your heart."

Low was Launcelot's answer, yet it broke like thunder :
" Hear then, Sir Aglovale, what is in my heart ripe for
telling : I envy you. You above all men in the world I envy.
Would to God I were such a man as you."

Lo ! great Launcelot enters the hall. High acclaims and
gladness greeted him, for as the Chevalier du Chariot he came
among them with a year's adventure in hand.

Lo ! an hour later Aglovale passes. Like a ghost he went
through unchallenged, with dazed stare over the beaming court.
Launcelot there beside the noble King and friend he so foully
wronged, within his guilty heart sighed again, " Would to God
I were such a man as he."

THE next record of Aglovale has to tell how he refused in
the day of stress to serve Sir Launcelot, whom he
worshipped and loved, and turned his hand against him
instead.

There is little need to set out at any length the splendid
and piteous story of how that noble King Arthur, and his great
fellowship of the Table Round, were broken and ruined and
ended ; for he whom I love so much has made it well known.
Briefly shall it be touched here, but for the purpose of showing
how Aglovale came by his death.

Came the night of fear when the long dishonour done to
Arthur was uncloked with guile and ambush. For years the
shameful secret had been but half hid, and ever the buzz
about Launcelot and Guenever thickened and grew, and
upon the King himself whispers ran loud, with foul titles to
one fondly pretending a faithful Queen and a loyal friend. At
length his nephews, Agravaine and Mordred, forced upon him
unwelcome knowledge, and with his leave made ready to
furnish him proof.

The breath of disaster was in the night. Aglovale could
not sleep, and rose to pace restless as on the dreadful night at
Cardigan ; yet he knew no cause for his disquiet. The world
lay at hush under moonrise. Beneath his eye the roofs of
Carlisle sank dim, steeped in mist, half seen; above, the
King's palace loomed on its height. Not there did Arthur lie
that night, but far away. One spark of light near below shone
from the lodging of Sir Launcelot. Obscured and bright

247

248 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

again and again it winked. There also one was pacing rest-
less to and fro. Sir Bors, awaiting Sir Launcelot's return from
the Queen, in vague disquiet and dread felt the night ; and all
in arms, summoned they knew not why, knights of his blood
waited with him.

A prickle of sound came into the slumberous night.
Aglovale leaned and strained his ears ; it died on the breeze ;
it returned ; unmistakably the sound was of battle. Whence
it came he scarce could tell, for the great walls of the palace
folded it in. He did on some harness, took his sword, and
went out to ease his dread.

In the open no sound came down to his level. No sound
had reached beyond to Sir Launcelot's lodging, for still the
light winked as before. Doubtful he stood till he heard one
clatter and stumble down the steep from the palace ; and sob
and curse ; and the sound of a horse. Past at a gallop went a
knight, bowed, swaying, blood-stained ; the King's son and
nephew, Sir Mordred.

At that Aglovale pushed on, sure of dire mischief. Broken
and breathless with the speed of ascent he came to the pre-
cincts of the palace, and dragged along painfully, drawn by
the sound of groans. From the Queen's stair he saw one
issue laden with a dead man, and cast him down beside others
dead and dying. By his stature and stride Aglovale knew him,
as wrapping a mantle over his harness, with his sword bare in
his hand, he struck down from the bridle-path by a steeper
footway. Yea ! he came to the slain, and heard dying men
cry curses after Launcelot, traitor and adulterer proved.

Thirteen knights of the Round Table lay there dead and
dying. They had trapped Sir Launcelot unarmed in the
Queen's chamber, but take him even so they could not. The
foremost of his foes he had let through ; he had slain him and
taken his harness ; he had broken forth against them and had
smitten all to death, save Mordred fled.

Sir Aglovale called out scared servants to carry in the
wounded. One was Sir Agravaine, senseless as the dead but
still alive. The sons of Gawaine were alive, Sir Florence and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Sir Lovel ; a third, Sir Gingalin, was dead already. But plainly
all were past cure of their bodies. Sir Aglovale sent in all
haste to fetch ghostly aid, and right soon holy clerks came ;
young Clerk Hew came with others ; and later came the good
suffragan of Carlisle himself, with the blessed Bread, and all
save Sir Agravaine were shriven and prepared for their end as
Christian men.

At length Sir Agravaine came to his senses and spoke ; he
asked after his brother Mordred, after Sir Launcelot, after his
fellows. Mordred fled, Launcelot escaped, the rest all slain,
dead or dying ; so he heard.

" Yea, I know I am slain," said Agravaine ; and presently
murmured, " Who answers there ? "

" King Pellinore's son — Aglovale."

" You ! " said Agravaine. The old flame of malice kindled.
" As I am a dying man, hear me, Sir Aglovale, how I do
repent me on your account."

" In the name of God ! " said Aglovale.

" Hear, Sir Aglovale ! That I did not provide you with a
larger stone to your neck, and with surer knots, for that I am
right sorry."

Under his breath Sir Aglovale muttered, " O poor fool ! "

At his shoulder stood Clerk Hew ; from one to the other
he glanced, surmising ; shocked he knew. He saw the grin of
agony and enmity relax in a swoon like death, and aghast with
pity and horror he feared that the dying man had spent his
last words.

In the end Sir Agravaine left this world in better case for the
next ; for when after some hours he returned to consciousness,
the good suffragan confessed him well, and brought him to a fitter
mind ; and as a devout Christian he forgave all his enemies,
and received his rights, and died without pain in the arms of
his best brother, Sir Gareth. Clerk Hew, for his part, attended
the death-watch, and prayed very fervently peace to his soul.

At Sir Aglovale's lodging a messenger from Sir Bors awaited
him, praying him to come forthwith to the lodging of Sir
Launcelot. His heart died with doubt and dismay, for he

250 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

knew what manner of grief and trouble was at hand, but he
knew not how to face it. In sore distress of mind he
went.

A throng of knights he met issuing as he entered : the half
of the fellowship of the Round Table, or more ; the mightest
and noblest of them then alive. Grave and resolute they
were to see, and there was little speaking among them.

Good Sir Bors greeted him. " Ah, sir, though you be come
so late, I was right sure you would come."

He excused himself, saying how he had passed the night.

"Sir Aglovale," said Bors, "well may you know what
trouble is upon us all, since clearly it was by the ordering of
King Arthur that Sir Launcelot has been well-nigh trapped and
slain by treason, on suspicion with the Queen."

" Yea, I have heard."

" Sir Launcelot is ready and fain to answer as a knight
should ; and well would he maintain that he went to the Queen's
chamber for no evil purpose, and that she is a true and faithful
lady to her lord."

" Yea, I deemed Sir Launcelot would answer so."

Said Bors, " There is dread among us that King Arthur
will not grant him leave so to answer, but will rather condemn
to shameful death both the Queen and him."

" To shameful death ! Sir Launcelot ! "

" Now may you declare, Sir Aglovale, whether you love
better King Arthur or Sir Launcelot, to hold with the one or
the other ; for certainly there will come mortal war between
them if the King will not abide by the custom he has
made."

" Alas ! " said Aglovale, " you know well that I love Sir
Launcelot above the King, and owe to him more than to any
man alive."

Bors looked at him amazed, for his voice was faint and
broken, and his visage grey and drawn.

" In good time," said Bors ; " here comes Sir Launcelot.
Go make your answer to his face."

Launcelot came in with his brother Ector. By the set of

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 251

his face, the play of his eyes, the barrier look, Aglovale under-
stood without doubt what his word of honour would be, and
what the worth of it.

" Sir Aglovale, how may I look upon you ? There now is
need to know who do love me well enough to hold with me
against King Arthur our lord."

Pale and speechless stood Aglovale. Face to face with
Launcelot, love and gratitude fought hard on the side of wrong,
and his heart clapped and beat, frantic to go free. Launcelot
spoke on, saying what he had to say before the world, and
under his eyes reddened deep ; above all, strangely compelling
beyond words, Launcelot under his eyes reddened deep.
Launcelot guilty, asking his countenance, his hand, provided
the better proof for his love and worship.

Launcelot ceased ; he had to answer. Husky and scarce
audible he said, " Alas ! Sir Launcelot, I cannot hold with
you."

Said Launcelot, " Oh, speak out what you have to say ! "
" I cannot hold with you. Though none soever that shall
name you traitor, and Queen Guenever untrue, can make good
his words upon your body, I cannot hold with you."

There was a moment of charged silence, and then Launce-
lot spoke. The set of his face, the play of his eyes, the
barrier look were not altered; his accents struck firm and
measured.

" Sooth, sir, I doubted you."

" Nay," cried Bors, " I doubt his meaning, I doubt my ears.
Speak right, Sir Aglovale !

" Alas ! Sir Aglovale, I vouched for you confidently in your
absence, as ready and fain and sure. Ah, sir, make good what
I said to your worship, for there are but few to speak so for
you. All the world would cry shame were you to refuse Sir
Launcelot in the hour of stress. Yea, and I also."
Said Aglovale, " Yea, I know it."

" I tell you men will call to mind how you stood in danger
of shameful death, and Sir Launcelot then delivered you. Ah,
sir, none other has denied him ; with one voice a hundred

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

good knights have answered and approved his quarrel, and are
pledged to defend him from wrong ; yet has he a better claim
on you than on any of them."

Said Aglovale, " Yea, I know it."

"Sir Aglovale, I speak as a friend and your well-wisher;
and for your own sake, and for love of Sir Percivale your
brother I will speak at large. Sir, neither the might of your
body nor the worship of your name were much profit to Sir
Launcelot, and yet he is right fain and earnest to have you
on his side. As you do know, Sir Launcelot has ever excused
you in gentleness, King Arthur never ; the one has reached his
hand to you, the other has set his foot on you. I warn you
that according to your own showing now, shall word go out
whether you deserve this or that."

Said Aglovale, " Yea, I know, I know."

" Enough ! " said Launcelot.

" Sir Aglovale," said Ector, " may we look to meet you at
another time, in another place, in another fashion, to a better
purpose."

His meaning was plain. All three looked swords upon
him : the three most kindly-hearted knights of the fellowship.
He held his side with both hands ; and as he gazed from one
to another damps of anguish came out on his brow and his
pallor grew extreme.

" I pray not ! I cannot answer for myself, should he call
me that has the right ; yet God knows I had liefer go out of
the world."

Bors turned away with tears in his eyes. " Wellaway !
I have no good will ever to look on you again."

Said Ector, " Sir Aglovale, if ever again we meet in place at
the Round Table — may God and King Arthur so grant we do
— there if we meet it may be to some purpose : that I ask you
whether or no you be a coward. And I warn you take heed
to your answer, considering the upshot; for whichever you
say, I am ready and fain to maintain the contrary to the utter-
most; yea, well and truly, for I am of two minds upon
you."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 253

Sir Aglovale was white and quivering, yet some semblance
of smiling distorted his visage and incensed Sir Ector.

" Ah, grinning dog ! Show the face of a man lest I bring
the blood there quick ! "

" Peace, peace," said Launcelot. " Leave Sir Aglovale
to me."

So Sir Ector also turned away, and Sir Launcelot came
nearer. Noblest and gentlest of all knights, this was the last
he spoke to Aglovale :

"Pardon me, Sir Aglovale, that I brought you to this.
Sooth, I doubted you well and truly."

His eyes were kind and sorrowful, and gave from the deeps
as once before.

" O most true man ! I find no fault with you for your
answer. Nor shall any that love me speak more against you.
I go not back on what I have said of you : first and last what
I have said of you. I fought you up to death for your good
name : for my good name and my lady the Queen's safety I
may go as far — or further. Ah, sir, but I doubt heavily now
my sword in my hand will work to my unhappiness. Pray
sometime for my poor soul."

Tears rushed to Aglovale's eyes and blotted dim his last
sight of Sir Launcelot's face. He found his hand. Former
words of Sir Launcelot rose to his lips :

"God have mercy on your soul — and keep you body
alive " His voice broke, the rest was unspoken.

Launcelot turned back to Ector and Bors. "I shall not
slay a better man than Sir Aglovale de Galis."

" Faith, Sir Launcelot," said Ector, " then you intend large
mercies."

" Ah, no ! " said Launcelot. " I tell you he is the most
upright man that ever I met. He heeds not the face of man
nor the breath of man. That poor body of his holds a heart
strong enough to stand alone against the world."

" He has the heart to stand against you, brother ! You to
whom he owes, such as it is, his shabby life. Yea, to give you
to know, brother, that he counts you a traitor and a liar. Yet

254 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

he has no heart for plain words and deadly. He shirks : he
will not answer knightly."

Launcelot said over, "Liar and traitor," sharply behind
his teeth. "Black names — intolerable — deserved or un-
deserved ; yet one did avow them to himself and stood to his
words right knightly in battle. You were of the first to excuse
him then that he might live : by right your excuse should
cover him now. And I that fought him then up to death, and
tempted him to go from his troth, I may not blame him now :
I will not ; and that I have promised him. And I charge you,
as you love me, to forbear him, and to speak no blame on him
for my sake."

" Be it as you will, Sir Launcelot," said Ector. " Yet for
all you say Sir Aglovale goes not by the ways of knighthood."

" Alas for knighthood ! " sighed Launcelot.

Aglovale betook him to his lodging, and all that humming
day he stirred no more abroad. Now Sir Tor and now Sir
Hermind came in with tidings : Sir Launcelot and all his
friends were departed; King Arthur was come, breathing
deadly ; Queen Guenever was condemned to the fire, on the
morrow she should be burnt ; the King was requiring all loyal
knights to be present at her death, to prevent rescue and to
take Sir Launcelot ; Sir Gawaine had refused him out and out ;
others had refused or avoided; Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth
would be present, but no arms against Sir Launcelot would
they bear ; King Arthur was calling in his knights one by one
to answer as to their allegiance.

Sir Tor and Sir Hermind were called.

" Brother," said Tor, " speak now. What shall I do ? "

Little had Aglovale spoken at all ; scarcely had he moved.
As from hour to hour he waited tidings, his eyes set hard and
wide, his hands locked hard against his side, one to the other
likened him to a wounded creature that takes covert, and
listens while the hunt goes to and fro and draws near.

Said Sir Hermind also : " Give me counsel ; and I, as you
shall counsel me, so will I do."

He would give none.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 255

" May I question ? When King Arthur calls on you, what
answer will you make ? "

" On me — me — if King Arthur calls on me — my God — I
— must speak ! "

Tor drew his kinsman away. " Let him alone, and beware
not to meddle with him when he is white at the lips."

At the day's end came the king's summons to Aglovale
also. Straightway he rose to go, spread his arms, and fell
prone heavily.

It was near an hour before he came to himself again. Tor
was beside him in great distress ; he owned he had searched
him and seen for himself.

" Ah, peace, and lie still. Fair dear brother, you cannot go.
Aglovale, you cannot stand or go."

" It is to King Arthur," he said feebly. " I will. Help me
this time."

He showed he was able to stand and go, for his will was
passing strong. Tor came and drew his hand round his neck ;
and, as under gathering night he lifted him along, a far-off
time was big at his heart.

Said Aglovale softly, upon the same remembrance, " Ah,
good brother, ever so ! ''

It was piercing; tears sprang; he could not speak.

Sir Hermind fell in with them, and readily he took the
place of a brother beside Aglovale ; and he put no question.
So, slowly and painfully, in the dark, up the steep went Agio-
vale at the last summons of Arthur. And all the way Sir Tor
could not speak, and his tears ran down, for his heart was
loaded with the weight of the panting boy he had carried for
knighthood across the level green, sun-bright, battle-bright, at
the first summons of Arthur.

CHAPTER XXVI

" \Y7HO comes ? " said Arthur-

yy Kay answered, " Sir Aglovale de Galis."

" Sir Aglovale, you are welcome," said Arthur.

" God 'a mercy ! " muttered Kay as he withdrew.

Alone and in gloom sat the king, bereft of joy for ever, in
awful dignity invested by his just anger and great woe. With
his beard in his hand he kept silence a long while, his fixed
stare set upon the pallid, motionless man who stood by the
door, vaguely lighted by the play of a solitary flare. So still
was the place that when Arthur spoke, hardly above a breath,
the words carried.

" Face of Pellinore ! 0 Maker God ! Here and now —
the face of Pellinore ! "

Came answer in Pellinore's voice, faint as a ghost's.
" Sir, here am I, Pellinore's son Aglovale."

Then Arthur gathered his senses, lifted his head wearily,
and spoke out.

" Sir Aglovate, what brings you here ? "

" Sir, obedience."

" Well said. Hear and obey. I require you to be ready
in arms to-morn to ensure my justice."

" How, my lord, me ? "

"Hear and obey, Sir Aglovale. This is my will. To-
morrow my false lady, Queen Guenever, shall have the law to
be burnt for her misdeeds ; and as shameful a death awaits Sir
Launcelot so soon as he shall be taken."

" My lord Arthur, look upon me so as to set me excused.
Oh, sir, from shameful death Sir Launcelot delivered me."

256

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 257

Said Arthur, slowly : " How so to look upon you ? I know
not how. Be nearer — here : aye, for I would look upon you."

Pellinore's likeness faded as Aglovale moved up the light,
and by the king's footstool kneeled down and lifted up his
disfigured countenance. The face of Arthur was in shade.
Again he fell to silence and a fixed stare ; when he spoke his
words came level and slow as from a trance.

" Ah, this visage should be Launcelot's wear for truth — not
his own ; so inscribed from brow to chin with the proper signs.
No counterfeit : a visage that to the light of day bears witness
to knighthood blackened and debased."

Upon that ensued silence again, till Aglovale spoke in his
turn, level and slow.

"O my lord Arthur, though King Pellinore loved you,
and Sir Lamorak loved you, and you made me knight, I have
a word to say for Sir Launcelot.

" Sir, look upon me and upon Sir Launcelot as we deserve ;
I the blemish, and he the pride of the most noble fellowship
in Christendom. By the blame that for half my lifetime I
have carried, that has grown to me, that here kneels incarnate,
hear me speak to deny it on Sir Launcelot

"O my lord, I know well that the shameful death you
held over me was not for the villainy I did, that destroyed the
lady that pitied me and the knight that trusted me : in their
noble simplicity me they pitied and trusted! And lo, the
fellowship of the Round Table is none so white that my name
alone has been noised for trespass and betrayal under trust,
until now when shameful death is held over Sir Launcelot.

"When, after seven years, I came before you and you
denied me recognition and grace, I know well I had done
nothing at all to do away your displeasure : and with seven
clean, upright, diligent years I came before you, and with
young Percivale. Nothing at all ! But then I did not know ;
and I was to learn."

With his chin in his hand Arthur rested in gloomy contem-
plation, deeming he saw through this worthless, ill-conditioned
son of Pellinore, speaking not for Launcelot but for himself,
s

258 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

"O my lord," said Aglovale, "you have not spared to
teach me, and now I do know my offence, my most dire
offence in your sight : once I answered unknightly for my
sins.

" But for that avowal, lightly had I been quit of the shame
I deserved. I had not gone derided to get my death ; I had
not been enforced to grievous penance ; I had not lost my
heritage; I had not been shown your aversion; I had not
lived an example to shun before my fellows."

"Well, well! "said Arthur.

" Sir, I bring no case that you should consider to restore
me from disgrace : in all knightly justs and adventures I have
so failed. Once you tried me, and in unhappiness I failed,
and forsook the Quest of Launcelot that you gave me."

Said Arthur, " I had not forgot."

Aglovale lifted up his eyes to the inexorable King, and
beheld at heart the face of Launcelot, with kindly eyes, grave,
considerate, better than compassionate.

"Yet Sir Launcelot himself would forget, and have me
forget. He kept me from cart and cord, and him I failed ;
yet never by word or sign has he reproached me for that
unhappy neglect."

"Enough, Sir Aglovale. I will be brief with you. You
provide your own answer. Since you took no keep of your
own honour then, neither will I now: so I will not set you
excused. Since you have done me no manner of service all
these years, I require you serve without fail now : so I will not
set you excused."

" My lord Arthur, I have served you truly all these years.
Though you had no use for me but to score me down for
warning, even so I served you as to that, loyally, constantly.
Your looks bit like swords, your words struck like spears. I
took no keep for my face : I stood ; charged and displayed for
the behoof of my fellows, appointed to reprobation. Year
after year I have waited on you and served you thus."

" Speak out and end, Sir Aglovale. I shall think no worse
of you howsoever you speak. But, by my head, grace does

259

not go so cheap to-day that such dog-service as yours gives
you purchase."

With gravity and calm that checked the disgust of Arthur,
Aglovale answered.

" Alas ! sir, what grace you have to bestow I have lost the
heart to value. And naught you could offer would outweigh
three words from Sir Launcelot. Generous and gentle ever,
he has spoken for me when your face was set against me ; he
has remembered me and cared to approach me when none else
did ; he has held up my heart time and again by virtue of a
look ; beyond and above all he has put worth upon this poor
life of mine by three words he gave me."

" Ha, traitor, this to my face ! Are you here to declare for
Sir Launcelot against my very face ? "

" No, sir," faltered Aglovale, and his voice broke to say,
" No, sir, to his face I have refused Sir Launcelot."

"Well, well ! " said Arthur under his breath, in a measure
astonished.

" King Arthur, you made Launcelot knight, you made me
knight. Consider us both; judge us both side by side, us
two, fellows of the Round Table, I the blemish, Launcelot the
pride. He knightly is ready and fain to deny all that Sir
Mordred has brought against him ; to maintain by his word of
honour and by his body's might that for no treason he went
privily to your Queen, but to avoid scandal."

Arthur beat downward with his hand. " How now — you
also ! "

" Who has dearer cause to speak ? "

" Let be ! Sir Gawaine cried me thus, and it was even vain.''

" My lord, I bear the better right to be heard."

"You?"

" I cry you by the blame and the shame set so fast upon
me in vindication of knightly code and usage, for Sir Launcelot,
my fellow, to be taken according to the same code and usage
and not contrary."

Arthur clenched his hand and hammered again. " By
God's truth, no ! " he cried. " By God's truth, no ! "

260 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" God's truth ? " said Aglovale, his teeth set. " It was truth
I owned to my undoing. But Sir Launcelot would knightly
offer his body to God's judgment in battle."

" Not so. He is too sure and mighty. None could make
good the truth against him."

" Sooth and well ! And peradventure the judgment of
God is even so sure in his hands."

Sir Aglovale kneeled stiff as a stock ; he spoke evenly, his
gaze was hardy, his lips were white.

" King of Heaven ! " cried Arthur. " Lo ! this creature
derides either Thee or me. Out with your rotten pretences in
one breath ! Speak ! "

" Consider, my lord : peradventure the judgment of God
may decree you to keep your whore and still be her cully."

King Arthur leaped up and snatched his sword. Quick
death flashed at Aglovale close as when Launcelot played upon
him, and his heart stood still. Twice King Arthur offered
again to strike, and could not, so much of Pellinore eyed him
in the son. He fell back cursing with a sob.

Aglovale shuddered hard, and sweat broke. When he got
his breath he spoke in an altered fashion ; it was to rehearse
the vow of fealty. He offered his hands palm to palm ; Arthur
touched unwilling, deeming no honour to either party in such
submission. Sorry hearing was this hollow renewal of troth
once delivered in youthful ardour and devotion; sorry and
pitiful.

Said Arthur, " Fie on this grovelling ! This turn is fitter
for a fanged worm than a Christian knight, and Pellinore's
son."

Said Aglovale, " Mercy on my life that I may speak !
Answer how you will with your sword when I have spoken."

He reached out his hands and set them on the King's
knees. Arthur laid his sword across his lap.

" Hear now, O Arthur ! what the last of Pellinore's house
has to tell you."

Though his voice shook he looked the King straight in
the eyes. Arthur stirred, and breathed to God, and at that

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 261

Aglovale leaned down his head against his hands. He did not
look again upon the face of Arthur.

" Once my father, King Pellinore, fought in a foul cause,
even on behalf of incest, adultery, and murder."

Not a stroke nor a word came from the King.

" In that guilty war had right prevailed, not King Lot, the
wronged husband of Morgause, had fallen, but Zither's son
Arthur."

So the charge began. Far into the night the count ran on,
and he that heard and he that told kept place unaltered, only
Aglovale leaned hands and head more heavy on the King's
knees.

In the days of his youth Arthur sinned with Morgause,
King Lot's wife, not knowing that he and she were sprung from
the same womb. With knowledge of the fatal truth and the
measure of his guilt came dread of doom to follow oppressing
his soul. Then came Merlin and foretold that the fruit of
incest should prove his bane. But he, in a black hour, thought
to compass his safety by a horrid deed : for the sake of one
born on May-day, many May-day innocents he sent to perish
on the seas. And but one of all these escaped alive, the very
babe of his fears, his son and nephew, Mordred.

War came, and many princes and lords, because of these
foul deeds of his, revolted to join his enemies. Yet in the day
of battle, with the league of just vengeance and King Lot
against him ; with incest, adultery, and murder to weigh down
his fortunes ; spite of great odds he prevailed, and came forth
so washed in glory that men no longer perceived the full colour
of his guilt.

Lot lay buried richly ; just victories succeeded the unjust ;
Arthur took the sons of Lot to be as his own ; he took to wife
the fairest of women, and he established the noblest fellowship
of the world ; for the Table Round with an hundred knights
was the gift King Leodegrance sent with his daughter, Guenever.
And surely, if ever evil could be covered and done away, that
loving kindness of his to the sons might cover the wrong against
the sire ; and faithful wedlock with his barren spouse might

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

cover the incontinences of youth ; and exact observance of the
honourable code of knighthood might cover the breach of
primal law.

Ten years and more went over, and Arthur had no warning
to read that penalties still were due. Then died King Pellinore
at the hand of vengeance. Whether verily he slew King Lot
in the battle or slew him not, he had the blame for his death,
and he had the penalty ; he and not the prime offender. How
he died, why he died, who were his death, never came to debate
before Arthur ; still he cherished his sister's sons, and did not
will to know.

More years passed, and then the doom of incest was put
large before the King : Queen Morgause met her penalty, dying
by the hand of her son Gaheris. So perished a fair hope ; for
when Lamorak and Morgause were noised as great lovers, and
Arthur found them well inclined to be wed, he had thought to
see reconciled the sons of Pellinore and Lot. Vain was the
hope; for his own guilt clogged his authority when fiercely
Gawaine stood between his mother and the son of one charged
with the death of his father. So, too, when Gaheris, more fierce,
made an end of their loves by the sword, King Arthur smote
down his head, and left that crime also unpunished.

Once again vengeance passed him by, and the blood of
Pellinore paid his debt ; for Lamorak died by murder, as his
father before him. And again'; for Durnor died. " Oh,
Lamorak, abide with me, and by my crown I shall never fail
thee ! " In vain he promised : Lamorak would make no peace
with the slayer of Morgause. He spoke for vengeance as a
noble knight ; and he went his way alone, with his life in the
keep of his sword. So he, too, perished, and Arthur failed to
call any to account for that murder also.

For he, the greatest King in all the world, upright, noble,
righteous, could rule nations wisely and well, and had learned
to rule himself, but had no force to rule his sister's sons ; nay,
very certainly at times he was ruled by them. Yet in this
defect of Arthur the King, the heart of Arthur the man was
proved noble in its weakness ; for his was no plight of fear and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 263

distrust on account of past crime ; but instead, rare and wonder-
ful spectacle, firm-set affection grew between him and these
nephews, and namely Gawaine, while over all still lay the
vague shadow of doom unfulfilled. And whenever these vin-
dictive brothers with crime followed up the far-off death of
Lot, though latent dread troubled the King, never did any
personal apprehension cramp him down; but his soul was
daunted, seeing the wrong he had done not to be dead and
gone, neither lived down nor redeemed.

Yet for thirty years immunity had been his, while hatred
turned another way and spent itself. And now the blood bond
was so firm, and the blood feud so spent, that well might Arthur
come to think pardon might yet be to him without punishment
in this world. Aglovale de Galis knew better : though he had
made up his account to all appearance upon earth, the laws he
had broken were the laws of God given to man, and sooner or
later the hand of God would bring him to exact account. For
the mercy of God He writes softly in the dark of each heart,
but His justice He writes plain before man.

The waits upon the walls had cried an hour before he that
spoke had made an end of that past. More he had to say,
strange for a King to hear and a King's son to utter; most
strange from a fellow of the Round Table to his lord and head.
The law of God, he said, required not the observance of
honour, but honesty of man to man, and truth in the inward
parts. But under the greatest King in Christendom truth was
put down that honour might be established. Yea, in the annals
of the Round Table there were instances enough, flagrant
instances of honour established to the detriment of honesty ;
for so dear to Arthur ever was this noble flourish of man's
invention that he gave no keep to the plain foundation.

Yet the fairest chivalry of Christendom had lost integrity,
not bereft of all guidance and warning. God Almighty of His
grace set forth the Holy Quest that proved men in their under-
standing of right worship. Then was the appraisement of man
for honour turned to confusion, and pure integrity of life and
thought alone found favour from on high. But few learned

264 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

by that teaching, and Arthur was not of these. In that Quest
he took no part ; he deplored it, aware, though blind, that his
surest and best were ill bestead to win sight of spiritual
mysteries.

But now Arthur must needs learn ; for before him lay two
ways, one way of honour, and one of honesty, dolorous both,
and leading to shame and loss. By the way of honour lay no
fair issue. Could he sleep on his bed denied and call it sweet,
were Launcelot so to answer for it with his great might. Were
he so to choose, then might such noble custom and order as
he had exalted stand, but to stand out as a ghastly mockery,
revolting to scorn all the honest part of man : a rotten pretence
indeed.

And no fair issue would he find by the way of honesty, but
open dishonour and great loss, though the name of wittol he
should purge away with blood and fire. Also that way he went
to lose the better part of his knights of the Round Table, who
would not abide by their lord and king when, by the rule and
custom he himself had established, himself he would not abide.
So would the fellowship of the Round Table come to be
broken and ended. And meet and just it was that Arthur
must needs choose to keep his Queen or to lose his knights,
seeing how in the beginning the Round Table came from
King Leodegrance of Cameliard as dowry with his daughter
Guenever.

Among all his knights, Arthur had none fit to stand for him
against Launcelot, body to body in battle, his champion at this
pass. Alas for the honour of Arthur that Lamorak was dead !
Yea, Pellinore's son Lamorak — he only might even now have
won the judgment of God to delay final justice.

But Pellinore's son Aglovale had no force but to declare
how the justice of God awaited Arthur to smite low his honour,
and bring him as mere man to worship the law he had broken
and overborne. Aglovale, the worst of Pellinore's sons, the
worst knight that ever Arthur made, brought his dishonour to
his lord to stead him at need.

Heavy against the King's knees he bowed, and his voice

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 265

was slow and weak as he took up another tale. Briefly he
cited so much as fitted of his own life ; dispassionate, without
complaint or excuse ; man to fellow-man. Without keep he
stripped himself bare, as a swimmer going out to rescue in a
heavy sea. With his fall to truth and dishonour he began, and
he told of his vain endeavour to hold to the one and leave the
other, and how he failed both ways, and how on through life
by God and man he had been driven to truth and dishonour,
even to this hour when God and man constrained him to fight
against Launcelot and adultery.

Of what mercy he had found in God and man he told.
Long and earnestly he spoke for encouragement ; said we do
oppose and evade the mercy of God in our dread of His
justice; said His justice provides us surety and peace, for
when we surrender ourselves, He gentle and generous enlarges
us and maintains us ; said He enables us sinners to rest and
be satisfied in our penalty as our share of worship to His
honour and glory; said Maker God writes His justice large
before man, but His mercies He writes softly in the dark of
each heart.

The waits upon the walls had cried another hour before
that second tale was done. Upon Arthur's knees dragged a
heavy weight, and a head lead-heavy lay against the edge of
his sword. Long silence ensued.

Aglovale de Galis spoke no more to Arthur ever again ;
but presently his voice lifted quietly, sentence after sentence,
the best prayer formed for the need of man. Familiar rote
swelled upon Arthur's ear, transformed and pregnant. Christ !
but the world rocked and the heavens rushed near. Christ,
His word, smitten through and through for redemption and
judgment !

Aglovale said " Amen," and waited. Though Arthur tried
to join, even the Amen was too ponderous to lift.

Still Aglovale kneeled ; like a penitent awaiting absolution,
meetly upon his knees he rested ; and he waited, and he waited
his dismissal by word or deed.

At last King Arthur moved and spoke. He put down his

266 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

two hands upon Sir Aglovale's head and lifted it off his
knees.

"Go! "said Arthur.

Weakly and stiffly Aglovale got upon his feet. He did not
lift his eyes to look upon Arthur's face, but with bowed head
turned, and went quietly as straight as he could to the door.

The King saw him depart, heard Kay challenge and pass
him quite away. Then he groaned, " Amen, amen ! " and beat
out the light, and sat out the night with himself.

CHAPTER XXVII

WHEN Sir Kay at day made bold to enter, King Arthur
lifted a vacant stare.

" Who went out late ? " he said.

Said Kay, " Only Sir Aglovale de Galis, like a foundered
beast."

"Like a foundered beast," breathed Arthur, and fell to
a black brooding.

Kay fretted and cursed low, came near and admonished
with rough kindness.

" How now, Sir Arthur ! Show me either the face of my
King or the face of my breast-brother."

Arthur spoke again low, " Listen, good breast-brother. I
have heard tell there was a King to whom a dumb beast turned
and spoke as a man."

" Yea, so. I have forgot his name. Was it King David or
Duke Joshua ? "

" A great marvel ! How went it ? This way and that the
beast crushed him, and also fell to its knees. And the one
took out his sword, saying, ' now will I slay.' And the dumb
beast opened speech, saying, 'O fool, I have borne beating
three times. O fool, look where you be going. Lo ! the
sword of God fronts every way.' "

" Surely that is Holy Writ."

"So it was — a great marvel. O Kay! that foundered beast
opened his mouth and spoke to confound me ! "

Sir Kay gasped. Was this King Arthur emitting this poor
breath? He stamped and swore in wrath and indignation.

267

268 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" That prating beast ! " he cried. " God rot that prating
beast ! "

The bells of Carlisle began to toll.

" Ah, God, but keep me my face ! " prayed Arthur.

Early that morn, before the hour when the Queen should
be brought to the fire, Gaheris and Gareth were at the Mass
together, kneeling hard by the bier of Sir Agravaine. One
came and kneeled behind them, who at the end rose as they
did, and followed them down to the crypt, where the bed for
interment lay wide.

" Sirs, give me leave to speak with one of you."

" To which of us two ? "

"To whichever of you took part with Sir Agravaine in
drowning a nobler knight than yourselves."

Gareth looked blank surprise at that bold answer, while
Gaheris laughed out in savage scorn.

" At your own peril ! A thick lie — yet at your own peril
speak out."

"Sir, I come to you to amend my fault; for once in a
manner I did lie to you. But not now."

"Fill up— I hear."

" I am he who guided you and Sir Agravaine, after you
were delivered from most horrible death in the quag."

Sir Gaheris crossed himself soberly in remembrance.

" That was you ! Well, oh, well — fain would I know — you
lied then?"

" In a manner, yes."

" Concerning ? You vowed it was by miracle ! "

" Sir, I did. Sir, I deceived you. I knew it was a living
man who delivered you. Yet oh, sir, to me that was the
miracle of it ! "

" Who— who ? Why did you lie ? Who— tell me who ? "

" He willed you should not know. He put out the light to
escape from you in the dark. And seeing that, I came to
beguile you."

" Who was he ? "

" He willed you should not know."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 269

" I will know — I must know."

" Sir, you shall not know with my will."

Sir Gaheris caught him by the sleeve and unsheathed his
sword.

" Tell me his name."

Said Sir Gareth, " Be not hasty, brother. The young clerk
does not ill in keeping trust."

" I take no keep for that ! He owes me answer ; he fooled
and beguiled us falsely and impudently. But for him I had
followed and known. And alas ! we have sinned, presuming to
say one came from Heaven to our aid. Yet I ever doubted.
God pardon us ! and namely Sir Agravaine dead."

Said Sir Gareth to Clerk Hew, " Consider now, may you not
honour the deed above the word, and so speak to override an
excess of humility ; for the deed was marvellous great and good."

" It was — it was ! and beyond all that you do conceive —
almost beyond belief. For the love of God he did it wholly,
and by the grace of God."

" His name ! " cried Gaheris, passionately. " Give me his
name ! I will know. Here ! I will afford you good enough
excuse for breach of faith."

He touched the young clerk sharply on the neck with his
blade. Gareth pulled down his hand.

Said he, " How were you charged ? and why did you speak
at all ? "

" Sir, when I told what fooling I had done, he I will not
name was ill pleased ; and he bade me at first undeceive again
if ever I might. But when I asked after your names he would
not give them, and so had to set me excused from that order.
And him he forbade me to name."

Said Gaheris, " Who then taught you to know, since he did
not ? "

" Sir Agravaine spoke to him, and I heard. God forgive
him ! he spoke hideously, dying as he was."

" Sir Agravaine knew ! "

" Ah no, no ! It was in ignorance — he did not know.
Alas ! he died and never knew ! "

270 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Sir Agravaine — dying — spoke to him — to him —
hideously "

Gaheris loosed the young man and stood stock-still,
revolving at all points the tangle of mystery. He turned to
his brother; he was looking in his face for help; he was
looking wild-eyed for rescue.

" Ah, my God ! " he said, shuddered and choked, and his
face grew deathly. Came, hardly above a whisper, " One thing
more — tell me — only one. Tell me it was not Sir Aglovale."

Silence was answer enough.

" Ah, my God ! " cried Gaheris, again. " Not he ! Tell
me it was not he — not that scab, Sir Aglovale."

At that Clerk Hew let go restraint; he bent his head,
affirming with something of a fleer.

" Oh, you lie ! " cried Gaheris ; " again you lie ! Who
stuffed you with this monstrous tale ? Did he — Sir Aglovale ?
Own it all a lie, and I forgive. Own it, or I slay."

Gareth bade the young clerk go quickly for his life; by
force he held back his brother.

"Wherefore such fury? Fair brother, tell me, for I am
all lost and amazed. This is marvellous showing to Sir
Aglovale."

" Ah, Gareth, Gareth, you do not know — not the half — it
is past belief. Would to God it were not true ! Yet for token
that it is true, Sir Aglovale wants the use of his left hand, that
was his better hand once. I — we — oh, Gareth — drowning —
that was all but true. We did it — Agravaine and I — drowned
him like a dog, with a stone at his neck."

" You did that to him who had saved you ? God forgive
it ! Yet you did not know."

" God in heaven ! But, brother, we did that, and then —
then he saved us — that same night."

" Sir Aglovale ! He did that for you who had drowned
him like a dog, with a stone at his neck ! "

" Gareth, Gareth, it was I that defaced him for all his days.
He fought like a wild beast — we — all three — and so I did it.
Yet that night he came and reached out his hand to me and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 271

saved us perilously, all wounded as he was. Why did he
do it ? I am beaten out and out."

He was like a wild creature, stung and maddened by a
barb working in deeper at every turn. He entered the grave,
kneeled and took the earth with his hands.

" Agravaine has the better bed to lie in." He sprang up
and away to stand above his dead brother and groan, "Oh,
poor fool ! Oh, poor fools are we all ! "

After him went Gareth, and got him away out of the
church, out of the city, and brought him to the quiet of field
and sky, and by degrees took from him all the shameful
story. Too noble a knight was Sir Gareth to stand in the
counsels of his brothers who were all named murderers, yet
for pity and for brotherhood he made no reproach to Gaheris
in his misery.

" His silence knocks me ! " cried Gaheris. " These years
of silence — silence under all manner of despite. Face to face
he might have spoken and broken us then and there — and he
would not. God knows I was never so base but I would
have published his worship to my own shame; but silence,
silence for ever. His broken face, his useless hand — they do
blast and crush the pattern of our knighthood of the Round
Table.

" I cannot bear him. I hate him. I hate, I hate. God
forgive me. I never hated him so before, but despised. Ah,
Gareth, cry shame, but this is truth : I am torn asunder ; I
worship and I hate him with equal strength, and know that
for any worship or hate of mine he cares nothing at all."

The bells of Carlisle began to toll, and the passion of
Gaheris was chilled and overborne at the woeful signal calling
them to witness the death of Queen Guenever.

Knights came riding afield to take their station about the
mount where stack and stake stood up to view. In sombre
fashion they came, with salutations grave and brief. Names
were passed telling of default in their muster. There was no
battle ardour at all ; knights were stark and grim, looking for
deadly work ; but none were fain, and some lagged with bent

272 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

head, sad and silent, as half their heart and half their friends
were against them with Launcelot.

Said one, " Alas ! I deem Sir Palamides and Sir Safere are
gone, for yonder comes their brother Sir Sagwarides alone and
passing heavy."

Said another, " Sir Pertilope and Sir Perimones come, but
I see not their best brother, Sir Persant of Inde. Howbeit, he
would not for Sir Gareth's sake take any part against King
Arthur."

No eye could perceive any sign of Launcelot. A silver
mist hung low on the meadow ; trees at the trunk stood dim
that aloft swung golden against the blue.

Gaheris stood still at gaze and stiffened. " Lo ! mine
enemy."

Said Gareth, " Sooth and fie ! He ! Ought he to come
against Sir Launcelot ? "

" Ah, Gareth," said Gaheris, at hush, " I would lay down
my life for hate of that dreadful man ; and for to worship him
well with my body."

He hung his head and sobbed some prayer to his breast.
He lifted his head, and down the slope stalked softly as a
young lion to the herd. After him went Gareth.

Three abreast came riding across the dewy turf, their faces
still unbarred. Sir Tor and Sir Hermind rode on either side
of Sir Aglovale. He bore himself erect, but he carried no
spear, and his face was dewed with weakness, aged, and
ghastly grey. He looked straight ahead, but the two beside
gave to him many a careful glance, and so did Sir Griflet, who
was following near.

Gaheris came down looking neither right nor left, stood the
ground fronting Aglovale, and had him eye to eye. Very
courteously and deliberately Gaheris gave him salutation.
Aglovale paused a moment, then faintly gave him salutation
again. Sir Tor and Sir Hermind also stopped short, greatly
amazed, for they all knew how Sir Gaheris had never accorded
salutation since that day of disgrace, when he had refused
battle with Sir Aglovale for scorn.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 273

Said Gaheris, " Sir Aglovale de Galis, I would have ado
with you."

Said Aglovale, " Sir, in what manner ? "

" Sir, in the manner of noble knights."

"Sir, to what intent?"

" Deadly, sir, deadly."

The solemn bells of Carlisle smote in upon suspense, for
Sir Aglovale paused before he put the main question. Sir
Gaheris was white with passion, and quivered like an eager
war-horse. His noble brother Sir Gareth stood attentive near
him, and gravely and steadily his clear eyes measured the two
as they spoke.

Said Aglovale at last, " Sir, on what matter ? "

" Sir Aglovale, on a matter you did in the dark and that
shall see the light."

At that Aglovale sighed heavily, deeming he spoke under
cover on resentment for the King his uncle. But Gaheris
went on.

" In the presence of God above, and of four good knights,
I do swear and declare that by you I have been poisoned.
God's truth ! you have poisoned me to death. Poison, poison !
Aye, sir, do you stare in my face now, to see how it works ?
Look you ! good knights and fellows, how it shows on this
face of mine : on these members touched with palsy ; yet you
see not how it works in my veins, and gnaws at this heart of
mine like a snake. And this, ah deed of darkness ! this
poison you gave me to receive in the body of my Saviour.
In ghostly disguise yourself you gave, and I received and was
thankful, not knowing. And so did Sir Agravaine, who died
and never knew. As God is above, this is truth ! "

" As God is above," said Aglovale, slowly, " I understand
not what you say."

"Sir, you shall understand well enough to-morn. I will
have my remedy of you, or one of us two shall die. I need a
little morsel of your heart to sain me. God helping, I will get
it; yea, and warm will I get it from you; so only can my
torment cease from me in this life."
T

274 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

In vain did Aglovale search his meaning, it lay dark to
him ; for he looked too near, so he got no light.

" Sir Gaheris," said Tor, then, " I would have you know
Sir Aglovale is in no case to do battle to-morn, for pure weak-
ness, albeit his heart is so great he bears arms to-day with us.
Therefore for your own worship forbear your ado with him,
and very heartily I will content you, and put you from your
pains, and prove upon your body that you have spoken against
him the most infamous and profane slander that ever knight
uttered before God and man."

" Sir Gaheris," said Sir Hermind, " I am ready and fain to
prove with my body that Sir Aglovale is more clean and clear
from all villainy than are any of the sons of Lot."

" Sir Gaheris/' said Sir Griflet, with his great voice, " you
lie, and you know you lie. And that will I make so good upon
your body that you shall lie still enough till Doomsday."

" Fair sirs," said Gaheris, " I have fewer fair witnesses than
I thought, and more fair enemies. Well, I pray you all to be
ready to renew this language before King Arthur to-morn, as I
on my part will also. But I bid you consider you have yet to
hear how Sir Aglovale will answer. And Sir Griflet namely I
bid bethink him how he held such language to me once before,
and how the debate was off my hands when Sir Aglovale
answered for himself."

That old shame could still tint Aglovale's cheek a little.
" Sir Gaheris," he said, " I will answer with my body if King
Arthur approve the question. Yet this day there is overmuch
danger and dread for any of us to reckon to meet on the
morrow."

" Ah sir, but you shall not escape me. I promise you we
shall meet. Though you were dead and damned, Sir Aglovale,
I would go after you to Hell to get at your heart there."

The words, with the passion shaking them, took the
hearers' breath ; and again upon silence the knell sounded clear.
Gaheris swung to go, faltered, stepped near, and before
Aglovale was aware, had him by the left hand and was
handling it.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 275

" Yet by this hand I swear," he said softly, and looked up
with eyes that were humid, "by this hand I swear I think
Hell will be an empty hole, if only God Almighty can be
as greatly merciful as you, Sir Aglovale."

With that he went.

" God Almighty ! " whispered Aglovale, enlightened, and
rested stunned.

When Gareth overtook Gaheris he questioned, "In
Heaven's name, fair brother, what are you about to do ? And
have you done well ? "

" No. Spare to rebuke me, Gareth. No — no — rather ill ;
yet the best I could, God knows."

" Foul slander ! "

"Right fair slander! Nay, true every word, and that he
knows, or shall know."

" Open out your heart to me. Will you verily have him
out to battle ? "

" That I will. And I will overcome him ; and I will have
him at my mercy. And then — ah, Gareth, then before King
and fellows, I will kneel and yield myself to him, and my
sword into his hands."

" Good ! " said Gareth. " And then ? "

Gaheris wrung his hands. " Then, then he will forgive me
my life openly ! "

His voice broke in a sob, and his eyes sparkled wet

" Put case he avenge openly and slay you ? "

" Then — and well he may — I charge you suffer not Sir
Gawaine to avenge my death. Ah, Gareth ! ah, Gareth ! "

" Good," said Gareth, again, " yea, such dealing is right fair
and knightly." His own eyes grew moist, and he closed
brotherly to say, " Sooth, Gaheris ! you have got a little of that
heart of his already. God grant you enough, and mend us all."

So they took thought for the morrow while the bells were
knelling the day.

" God Almighty ! " whispered Aglovale, again. " Hand of
God ! "

He quite forgot his fellows, and they hearing him breathe

276 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

the name of his Maker over and over again, bowed head
devoutly and waited.

They had to call him to himself at last, and plainly from
very far away he came. With a look of blank wonder he
came, that never after quite left him, and at his death was
sealed clear upon his visage.

Tor looked at him once. " Close your vizard, fair brother,"
he said gently. " It is meet we do so now."

So they cased up their faces and set on. High-headed
went Aglovale, inhaling deeply, for he had wonderful thoughts ;
and those three true-hearted friends paced along, enduring his
silence without question.

He remembered them, and said, " O good my brother
and friends I I do thank you greatly for your goodwill."

" We have dealt in the dark," said Tor. " What meant
Sir Gaheris by that he said ? "

" That he said — hand of God ! " muttered Aglovale ; and
again he was lost in his wonder, and again he remembered
them.

" Bear with me, for Sir Gaheris has knocked hard to stun-
ning ; but he knew not what he said."

" He uttered a monstrous charge against you."

" Aye, so he did ; and called me to battle. So he did ; and
right wittily and well."

" Have you come to understanding? "

" I understand him well enough. By this hand, yes ! Yet
what to think of him I know not. Take ye no thought for
to-morrow. It may come, flush or dark, for my ending or my
mending, according to the heart of Sir Gaheris. But to-
morrow lies a great way off, for to-day we have to strike against
Sir Launcelot."

He mused awhile, sighed, and shook his head. " It is no
use, Sir Gaheris. It is no use at all."

CHAPTER XXVIII

A LREADY the mount was crowned with a glittering circlet
f\ of knights, stationed at watch against all quarters. As
yet no threat appeared. The countryside, smiling quiet
and secretive through the shifting vapours, preserved suspense.
For Carlisle that day was no blithe hour of morning vigour ;
no peaceful folk trod out and in. Behind the guarded gates
the citizens seethed up to walls and housetops, to see the fairest
of women brought out and burnt for her misdeeds.

She comes, and Launcelot does not come.

Like a Queen she came, with a great plump of spears
before her and after her; and her ladies were there attendant,
as when she went to church ; and her damsels, bearing missal
and cushion, pomander and mirror. They were lamenting
aloud, but she made no moan. With unaltered dignity
treading the way to shameful death; with sad, wan beauty,
drawn brows and distracted gaze, the splendid piteous creature
commanded admiration and compassion, maugre all her guilt.

To the mount she comes and stands, and Launcelot does
not come.

Many beside unhappy Guenever turned about then and
looked out over the silver swathes of the lowland, where
gleamed no promise of help : nothing more urgent stirred than
wild-fowl, mewing and honking and winging up black from
the water-beds.

Then was the Queen made ready for the fire. Disrobed,
ungirt, the tiar lifted away, gown and kirtle taken off, she
stood clad only in her last garment, and the fair gold stole
of her own hair pendant to the knee.

277

278 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Then she kissed five of her weeping ladies, and gently she
dismissed all from further service. Then she summoned
ghostly aid, and kneeling down on a cushion was shriven by
a holy man. It shocked the heart to see as she kneeled there,
so thin-clad in the morning air, how slight shivers of cold took
that poor body that was going straight into fire. Men were
seen weeping then. Gaheris and Gareth wept, and many
others, unwilling witnesses with them; and doubtless behind
steel bars many eyes were half-blind just then.

Here is Guenever brought to the stake, and where is
Launcelot ?

Up into air went a falcon with gilded jesses that took the
sun as they trailed.

She lifted her face to the skies. Her brows smoothed;
like a saint near her peace, calm and confidence transformed
her countenance; lightly she set foot on the stack of beach
and pine, and stood high by the stake against the sky.

Ha havoc ! the wild-fowl are all stilled. Clink and clang
take the ear; away in the hollows sparks of light take the
eye — broadening, dancing; riding the mist crests of knights
unveil, fronts of horses, a mat of spears ; out of the mist, reft
by the wind of speed, without trump, without call, with light-
ning to the air, with thunder to the sod; with a weft of rainbow
from thick spinning dew, come the grandest fighters in the
world — comes Launcelot.

Down went the spears upon the mount. Grim and sober
Arthur's knights formed out to battle-front, and wisely and
orderly waited to take full advantage of their ground.

" Are you mad, Sir Aglovale ? " cried Griflet, then. " Keep
back and forbear the spears, as you bear none."

He spoke in vain. Soon as the slope told against the
onrush, down charged the opposing ranks, and down with
the rest charged Sir Aglovale.

" He is mad ! he is mad ! " cried Gaheris, in a frenzy above.
" Ah, God keep Sir Aglovale for me this day ! "

Fleet-foot he ran and sprang like a roe, and reached a jetty
of broom to espy nearer. After him came Gareth.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 279

At mid ascent broke the shock of spears, crackle of wood
loud as the rattle of mail. The downpress had the advantage :
near a third of Launcelot's party were cast from the saddle,
or horse and man went down together. Launcelot and his
brethren bore through the first rank. There fell Sir Hermind :
smitten by Launcelot clean through the body he dropped dead.
There fell Sir Aglovale. Sir Bors thrust him down, and he
lay stunned. Sir Gaheris spied that, and wrung his hands.

Now the battle was with swords ; horsed and unhorsed
fought in confusion; the scream of horses rose, for knights
afoot stabbed ruthless to revenge their disadvantage. On
Sir Aglovale, as he rose, down rolled a slaughtered beast.

Sir Gareth beheld his brother suddenly start from his cover
and reckless speed into the fray. Without thought he followed.
Between them they released Sir Aglovale from the weight that
was killing him, and got him up to an empty saddle. He
blessed them unaware without recognition, while Gaheris for
his part cursed him heartily.

Where the battle raged on higher ground he rode hastily,
and the two brothers followed perforce ; hemmed in on either
side, the press carried them along.

Close below the brow a knot on horseback lashed together
furiously ; for here was Launcelot, strong as a wild boar tossing
hounds. Then fell Sir Griflet, gashed deadly deep. Aglovale
saw him fall as he spurred past to take the ground above.
Alas ! this horse that was under him was Sir Tor's.

Swift and terrible were the strokes of Launcelot. Two
strokes, two deadly, unhappy strokes he dealt, and knew not
what he did. One Gaheris saw, and shrieked as his brother
Gareth, smitten through the brows, fell back dead into his
arms; the next he saw not: with hardly a moan he also
dropped out of life.

Gallant knights both were they, though one was savage and
a murderer, and had slain his mother; they were pleasant
and witty to hear, and very goodly to see in visage and
stature; they were staunch-minded, for Gareth never forgot
kindness, and Gaheris never forgot injury ; they were courteous

280 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

to all ladies, and loyal lovers of their two fair wives, Linet
and Liones ; they worshipped Launcelot, and loved him passing
well, and namely Sir Gareth ; and Launcelot loved them again,
and namely Sir Gareth, passing well.

Launcelot passed on unaware; but behind him the eddy
of battle paused, and knights of both parties stayed their
strokes, and looked, the shriek of Gaheris at their hearts, on
those two brained dead.

" Alas !" said young Lavaine, " alas ! Sir Launcelot. Though
God Almighty forgive this, he will never forgive himself, nor
neither will Sir Gawaine."

By this Sir Launcelot had all but won the ascent. Last
to oppose him hurled a knight who had slung aside his shield
to grip his sword by both hands. Recklessly exposed he
swung up for the stroke, with the weight of a plunge he swung
down : his blade met Launcelot's and broke. He laughed
out like a madman, and flung away the shard. Their horses
were staggering at impact when quick Launcelot struck again ;
but the other dipped, swerved close in under the blow, and
leaning from the saddle clapped both arms upon Launcelot :
his right caught him about the girdle, his left took him beneath
the chin. It was the trick of Sir Turquine that had unseated
many a strong knight. In vain he heaved with all his strength ;
Launcelot swayed a little, recovered, but could not shake him
off, and could not strike. He drew back his arm, felt with
the sword-point for the unjointed spot below the armpit, and
drove in the blade deep. With a groan Aglovale slid down
and dropped to die. He had got his death from Launcelot.

Queen Guenever's smock is stained with blood as Launcelot
lifts her away from the stake, and she laughs for joy that it is
not his.

Up from the finished battle came others : came Ector,
Bors, Blamore, Bleoberis, Lavaine, Palamides; and again the
mount was crowned with a glittering circlet, while away to
Carlisle streamed tidings of defeat to Arthur, while Guenever
kneeled devoutly to thank Heaven for her deliverence, while
she was clad hastily and set upon horse behind Launcelot.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 281

Then straight all fell bare. Down past the slope of blood
the slayers rode, and fast away across the shining land, by
east to Eden river, and by north to Joyous Gard.

Death made no haste with Sir Aglovale; he had yet an
hour to live. The first he knew beyond pain when he lifted
and sat, was the pleasant smell of bruised thyme, and there
beneath his hand a little patch of dim blue. It rooted far
away on Wenlock Edge. He shifted a little lest it should be
stained, and against his left side shut tight his arm to keep in
red life. Along Wenlock Edge came Nacien, saying, 'God
has been gracious, O my son.' And he perverse, — ' I will not
go ! ' He lost his way.

Next he knew that above him stack and stake stood up
to view solitary, and the world was very quiet, albeit the
groans of wounded men came from below. Clear and small
swam the falling-in of knells. Clear and small and far away
on rising ground moved points of light in a soft glitter. — God
keep you, Sir Launcelot, body alive to a better lifeM — The
world smiled fair as the sun drew up the dews. He lost his
way again.

Death made no haste with Sir Tor. He shifted, and
moved, and crept along to dead and dying. Sir Hermind
dead, Sir Perimones dead, Sir Kay 1'Estrange dead. Sir
Sagwarides dying. Oh, mercy ! Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth
both dead. The elder still clasped his brother. Beside the
armed dead, those two, unarmed, represented a piteous mis-
chance. Sir Sagwarides had seen, and he told how it was done.

One heard, stood up on his feet staggering, came and looked.

" Sir Griflet 1 God be thanked, you live."

" Alas ! I am but slain."

" And I," said Tor. " Where is Sir Aglovale ? "

" I know not; only I am sure he has not fled."

Together they went on further search, till higher beyond
the rest they found him.

They knew he was near his end, because he sat so still.
His head was erect and rigid, his right hand was idling to
and fro softly upon the turf; his harness was unbroken, and

282 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

but little blood showed upon it, yet they knew without a word
that he was near his end.

Sir Griflet went forward and dropped with a groan at his
side. He turned his head, and crept out his right hand to
him, but did not stir otherwise. After came Tor as fast as
he could drag, and kneeling he put his great hands lightly
upon Aglovale.

"Fair dear brother," he sobbed, "I shall die the better
by you."

At that Aglovale lifted a look, and rested his wondering
spirit with a giving of love and worship to his faithful brother.

" God Almighty bless "

Blood rose to his lips when he spoke, and pain took him
hard upon death when he lifted a hand. They eased him of
his helm, and propped him ; and they saw well he was nearer
his end than either of them, though their wounds gaped,
and his they had not seen. Griflet was hewn deep at the
shoulder, and Tor at the belt. Aglovale's mortal wound let
out only a thread of blood, that ran continuously, dark and
warm, blurring his harness like breath.

There below good Christian folk were coming to take up
dead and wounded, and to ease the dying, body and soul.
Sir Griflet lifted a prayer that they might not die till ghostly
comfort came, so they might receive their Saviour before they
passed over to death and judgment. Namely he prayed for
Sir Aglovale, for he thought him almost gone : without breath
he seemed, and his eyes were fixed far off.

Far off he had lost his way. He saw an elder-tree and
sodden ground and driving rain : then said Brose, ' Kiss of
peace,' and died unhouselled. Lo ! a rainbow arching up into
clear sky. The words of Gaheris drifted him back into time
present : ' If God can be so greatly merciful as you.' Wonder
was set afresh upon his face. " O Maker of man," he breathed
in worshipping appeal.

He looked upon Griflet and Tor, and seeing their pains
were greater than his own, forbore request. But straightway
Tor bent to him.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 283

" Brother, what would you have of me ? "

He whispered faintly, "Sir Gaheris. Could he know he
would come to me now."

They were dumb-struck, and looked at each other, awed
and marvelling.

Then said Griflet, "Alas! Sir Aglovale, you may go to
him, but he cannot come to you. Sir Gaheris is dead."

For a moment he did not stir ; then he lifted a sigh and
said aloud, "God rest his soul." At that a rush of blood
choked him.

Even to men who were dying it was fearful to see then how
he set himself to preserve the tag of life in his body; he
might not speak out, he might not lift a hand ; passively with
all his will he withstood the thrusts for release, and held
possession. Presently Tor, in answer to a sign, told over what
he had seen, and what he had heard, of the death of that
brave pair.

"Beyond the gorse there they lie together. How they
came in the thick of battle passes knowing ; but myself I saw
Sir Gaheris : hastily he came and took away my horse when I
was down."

Then Aglovale knew, and they saw he knew, and held still
to hear his whisper.

"For me — he came in to deliver me — brought me your
horse — he and Sir Gareth — I saw, not seeing — now I see."

Amazed beyond words, Tor and Griflet waited, and in
vain, to learn the secret of this devoted enemy. They did but
hear a faint whisper that ran, " Eh, Sir Gaheris, Sir Gaheris, it
is all one ! "

Said Tor, " And I meant to kill him except he sued to live
through Sir Aglovale."

Said Griflet, " And I meant to kill him without question."

Aglovale only shook his head and very faintly smiled.
And they saw that God had taken the ending and the mending
of the matter into His own hands, and that the solving of the
matter would not be till Doomsday.

Then ensued silence. The isolation of death pressed hard

284 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

between them, and the separate anguish of the flesh cloked
each one in himself. Tor drew the nearer, and kept his hand
on his brother as other dear affections cried his heart away
from him.

Before long charitable aid reached that high-tide mark of
blood. The first that came was a nimble young squire, bear-
ing a helmet full of clear water. Tor drank, and Griflet
drank; Aglovale tried to drink but could not; the sip he
swallowed he lost with more blood; almost he lost his life
then and there.

Far gone he stayed his thirst on a night moonstruck and
dewy, when out of shadows Divine approval came upon him
once. He had lost his way again and wandered.

1 This I cannot abide,' said Gaheris, and plucked him
from dear contrition hastily to death.

' Ah, friend,' said Gaheris, ' I am sorry. I knew not how
hard I used you.'

' You have poisoned me to death,' said Gaheris, ' in the
body of my Saviour.'

' I think Hell will be an empty hole,' said Gaheris.
He drank at wonder, and could not retain it, and was
thirsting still.

Tor was bathing his face with water. " Stay with us, Sir
Aglovale," said Griflet, " for comfort is at hand. So presently
may we three together be assoiled of our sins, and houselled
freshly to our end."

The serviceable young man had done what he could to
ease them, and now was gone to the suffragan of Carlisle,
whom bearing the Host they saw, coming to bless the dying
on the battle-ground. Then he sent forward one of his company,
and himself followed by degrees as fast as he was able, for
others there were to be satisfied by the way.

The next that came was nimble and young, even Clerk
Hew. Sorrow of heart was his and dread to see whom he was
required to shrive for death; but the grace of holy orders
exalted his spirit above the natural man, and he used no words
but to do his ghostly service. Sir Griflet and Sir Tor in turn

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 285

kneeled, confessed, and were shriven clean; and then Clerk
Hew came and kneeled by Sir Aglovale and leaned close to
hear. That confession was the shortest, but it took more time
than both of theirs.

Faintly he whispered, " I have sinned." Then came
silence, and again after each particular came silence. " Pride
— Presumption — Arrogance — Cowardice — Railing — Hardness
of heart — Unbelief. God knows I am sorry."

With that came such a rush of blood that quickly Clerk
Hew blessed him to God, deeming the end had come. The
spasm passed, and presently Tor said, " He would say more to
us. Take you his words for us."

So Clerk Hew leaned down again, and repeated the dis-
jointed whisper as it came.

" One of you — for charity — when I am dead — dig out of
me — some morsel of my heart — and let Sir Gaheris have it —
for peace in the grave."

Sir Griflet was the first to make answer. He said huskily,
" Sir, so help me God that my life endure, I will serve you
faithfully for this."

Clerk Hew was pale and shaking as he answered next,
" Sir, I will not fail to further your desire. So help me God."

But Tor moaned pitifully, " Ah, fair dear brother, I cannot.
Too jealous dear to me is this your body. Content you that I
will not hinder."

Now came towards them the aged suffragan of Carlisle as
fast as he could go with reverence to That he carried in his
hands. When he came to a stand Tor and Griflet shifted to
kneel, but Aglovale might not stir; he could but lift up his
eyes to the vessel in worship.

The holy man looked upon him steadfastly. Eye to eye
they met, and there was remembrance between them of the
woeful hour beneath the elder-tree where Brose died denied
Christian rites. Alas ! as Clerk Hew knew, Sir Aglovale also
must be denied comfort. Himself he knew it : tears stood in
his eyes, he shook his head slightly; his lips moved, and the
young clerk leaned close and gave out aloud his whisper.

286 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

" Sir, alas ! I am too full of my own blood. I may not
receive my Saviour."

" Alas ! " said Tor, " Alas ! " said Griflet. Even he, that
good hard old Christian was deeply moved, and his voice was
broken as he bade him touch what he might not take.

So Aglovale kissed the blessed Bread, and then he shifted
ever so little and leaned down his face to cover while his two
fellows received their Saviour. Then the holy man blessed
them with the blessing of God's peace and passed on.

" Christ ! he is going now," said Griflet ; for lo ! Aglovale's
left arm was hanging free, and fast his life was racing out on
a dark and smoking stream. He could no longer hold up
against the drag of death ; Tor caught him and lowered him
back carefully. He gained ease and speech, but he could no
longer see, and he put out a hand vacantly.

"Where is brother Sir Tor?"

" Here I hold you."

" Kiss me, Tor."

Brotherly they kissed together and they kept hands fast to
the end.

Then said Aglovale, "Thanks be to God for my good
brothers, who have blessed this life of mine. Thanks be for
Tor, for Lamorak, for Durnor, for Percivale, four dear
brothers, and namely for Percivale."

He rested quiet, but his eyes were wide and intent, though
he could not see.

Then he said, " Ah, Jesu God." Then he said, " Ah, Lord,
your sorry servant ! " and sighed heavily once.

" God rest his soul," said Clerk Hew, softly, and bowed
down. The two dying men looked close on the still visage
between them, and then said, " Amen." Tor laid his hand
across the eyes, fixed wide upon the skies in dead amazement,
and shut them down. It was not in them to sorrow over the
mortal part of Aglovale ; only a little quiet contemplation they
gave to the indifferent aspect so soon to ensue to their own
bodies.

Presently in morne silence Clerk Hew rose up and looked

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 287

at Sir Griflet, who looked at Sir Tor, who bowed his head and
clasped hard the chill hand he held. They loosed the dead
man's girdle, and his harness, plates and rings, discovering the
narrow wound. Leathern vest they stripped open, and linen
shirt. Underneath was the haire very worn and frayed ; and
that they slit apart. Then breast and side lay bare, and Griflet
drew in a sob. Way to the heart lay open wide already.

" So help me God ! " said Griflet. He touched, and came
upon a shred of iron lodged close against the still heart.
Forth he drew it.

All reverently knight and clerk did according to promise.
As he were handling a holy relic the first performed his part,
and the other in like manner took, and went to find dead
Gaheris.

On the field he sought and could not find him, for Arthur
had commanded extreme haste in the burial. In the crypt of
Carlisle church, in the unclosed grave, there he found him.
And in the bed of earth, as secretly as he might he gave, and
so had Gaheris even what he besought for his peace in the
grave.

Yet one did partly espy and called him to account. " O
son, O wretch, what deed is that you did ? Have you laid the
blessed Bread in soulless clay !"

He kneeled down weeping. " By my soul, I have done no
wickedness. This sacrament_that I gave is not the very Body
of our Lord. I will answer to God for what I have done when
the dead arise."

Sir Griflet and Sir Tor were also dead when Sir Kay came
over the battlefield to number the dead and to make order for
interment. Others were with him : Sir Persant of Inde and
Sir Lucan, gentle knights; and goodly lament these uttered
for the death of Sir Tor and Sir Griflet, and goodly they
praised them as noble knights. On Sir Aglovale for gentle-
ness they forbore to speak at all. Even Sir Kay held his
peace, till looking narrowly, he discovered the haire.

" Well, well ! " said Kay.

Gaheris and Gareth were laid in grave before ever King

288 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Arthur lifted head to go further than that particular loss ; for
sorrow for his nephews had taken him hard even to swooning.
Of twenty-four slain these only had been named, and so he
took up question on living and dead.

Came his first word : " Sir Aglovale de Galis ? What
of him?"

" Sir Aglovale is dead."

At that the King breathed a deep breath that was no sigh.
" Well, well ! " said Arthur.

Here is the end of the story of Aglovale. From beginning
to end I have given it, to the best of my power, as I found it.
I ask good man or woman who has taken and read it all
to spend a moment now on a due that is owing : Pray for the
soul of Sir Thomas Malory, knight, my most dear Master
whom I love so much.

NOTES FROM " MORTE DARTHUR"
(ABRIDGED)

CHAPTER I

P. 3. On the first day of knighthood.

So, at the desire of Griflet the king made him knight. Now,
said Arthur, since I have made you knight, thou shall promise
me by the faith of thy body, when thou hast justed with the
knight at the fountain, whether it fall that ye be on foot or on
horseback, that right so ye shall come again unto me without
making any more debate. Then took Griflet his horse in great
haste and rode a great wallop till he came to the fountain, and
the knight came out of the pavilion. I will just with you, said
Griflet. It is better ye do not, said the knight, for ye are but
young and late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine.
As for that, said Griflet, I will just with you. That is me loth,
said the knight, but since I must needs, I will dress me thereto.
So the two knights ran together, that Griflet's spear all to-
shivered, and therewithal he smote Griflet through the shield and
the left side, and brake the spear, that the truncheon stack in his
body, that knight and horse fell down.

When the knight saw him lie so on the ground he alighted, and
was passing heavy, for he wend he had slain him, and then he un-
laced his helm and gat him wind, and so with the truncheon he
set him on his horse and gat him wind, and so betook him to God,
and said he had a mighty heart, and if he might live he would
prove a passing good knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court,
where great dole was made for him. But through good leeches
he was healed and saved. (Book i, chs. 20, 21).

P. 4. His new-found son Tor.

Forthwithal there came a poor man into the court, and brought
U 289

290 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

with him a fair young man, eighteen year of age, riding upon
a lean mare. Anon he came before the king, saluted him, and
said, O King Arthur, it was told me that at this time of your
marriage ye would give any man the gift that he would ask out,
except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said the king, so it
impair not my realm nor mine estate. Said the poor man, Sir,
I ask nothing else but that ye will make my son here a knight.
It is a great thing that thou askest of me : what is thy name ?
said the king. Sir, my name is Aries the cowherd. Whether
cometh this, of thee or of thy son ? said the king. Nay, sir,
said Aries, this desire cometh of my son, and not of me. For I
shall tell you I have thirteen sons, and all they will fall to what
labour I put them to, but this child will do no labour for me,
for anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will be
shooting or casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to
behold knights ; and always day and night he desireth of me to be
made a knight. What is thy name ? said the king unto the
young man. Sir, my name is Tor. Well, said King Arthur
to Aries, fetch all thy sons afore me that I may see them. And
so the poor man did, and all were shapen much like the poor man,
but Tor was not like none of them all in shape nor in countenance.
Now, said King Arthur, where is the sword that he shall be
made knight withal ? It is here, said Tor, and pulled out his
sword, kneeling and requiring the king that he would make him a
knight, and that he might be a knight of the Table Round.
As for a knight I will make you ; and therewith smote him in
the neck with the sword, saying, Be ye a good knight, and
so I pray to God so ye may be, and if ye be of prowess and
of worthiness ye shall be a knight of the Table Round. Now,
Merlin, said Arthur, say whether this Tor shall be a good
knight or no. Yea, sir, he ought to be a good knight, for he
is come of as good a man as any is on live. This poor man
Aries the cowherd is not his father, for King Pellinore is his
father. I suppose nay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife afore
me, said Merlin, and she shall not say nay. Anon the wife
was fetched, which was a full fair house-wife, and there she
answered Merlin full womanly. And she told that when she was
a maid and went to milk kine, there met with me a stern knight,
and half by force he held me, and after that time was born my son
Tor, and he took away from me my greyhound that I had that
time with me, and said that he would keep the greyhound for
my love. Ah, said the cowherd, I wend not this, but I may

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 291

believe it well for he had never no taches of me. Sir, said
Tor to Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said Merlin, it
is more for your worship than hurt, for your father is a good
man and a king, and he may right well advance you and your
mother, for ye were begotten or ever she was wedded. That is
truth, said the wife. It is the less grief to me, said the cowherd.

So on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King
Arthur, which had great joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he
was his son, and how he had made him knight at the request of
the cowherd. When King Pellinore beheld Tor he pleased him
much (Book 3, chs. 3, 4).

P. 4. When Danes and Irish landed (Book 4, chs. 3, 4).

P. 7. Blood feud was unfinished.

Gawaine in great envy told Gaheris his brother, Yonder
knight [King Pellinore] is put to great worship, the which grieveth
me sore, for he slew our father King Lot, therefore I will slay
him, said Gawaine, with a sword that was sent me that is passing
trenchant. Ye shall not so, said Gaheris, at this time ; for at
this time I am but a squire, and when I am made knight I will be
avenged on him ; and therefore, brother, it is best ye suffer till
another time, that we may have him out of the court, for and
we did so we should trouble this high feast. I will well, said
Gawaine, as you will (Book 3, ch. 4).

P. 8. For the oath she had imposed.

Then the king and the queen were greatly displeased with Sir
Gawaine for the slaying of the lady. And then by ordinance of
the queen there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and
they judged him for ever while he lived to be with all ladies, and to
fight for their quarrels ; and that ever he should be courteous, and
never to refuse mercy to him that asketh mercy. Thus was
Gawaine sworn upon the four Evangelists (Book 3, ch. 8).

Ibid. To rape and treason (Book 19).

Ibid. Fairness of Pellinore.

Now, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and
ye shall choose which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and
Sir Tor my son. But because Sir Tor is my son, I may not praise
him, but else, and he were not my son, I durst say that of his age
there is not in this land a better knight than he is, nor of better
conditions, and loth to do any wrong and loth to take any wrong.
By my head, said Arthur, he is a passing good knight as any

292 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

ye spake of this day, for I have seen him proved, but he saith
little and he doth much more, for I know none in all this court, and
he were as well born on his mother's side as he is on your side,
that is like him of prowess and of might ; and therefore I will
have him at this time, and leave Sir Bagdemagus till another time.
So they were chosen, whereof Sir Bagdemagus was wonderly
wroth, that Sir Tor was advanced afore him, and therefore
suddenly he departed from the court (Book 4, ch. 5).

CHAPTER II

P. 10. Sir Launcelot came to make an end (Book 6, chs. 7-10).
P. 13. The great war with Rome (Book 5).

P. 19. Kept not strictly to the order of events.

This is evident by the names of Sir Turquine, Sir Tristram,
and Sir Percivale (Book 7, ch. 28) ; whereas Sir Tristram was
not knighted before the death of Turquine and the release of Sir
Marhaus (Book 6, ch. 9; Book 8, ch. 5), and Percivale not before
Tristram was made knight of the Round Table (Book 10, ch. 23).

Ibid. The proving of Arthur's young nephew Gareth (Book 7,
ch. 26).

Ibid. Aglovale and Durnor overthrown (Book 10, ch. 48).

CHAPTER III

P. 26. The ways of Sir Turquine.

There came three knights, riding as fast fleeing as ever they
might ride. And there followed them three but one knight. So
within a while this strong knight had overtaken one of these
knights, and then he smote him to the cold earth that he lay still.
And then he rode unto the second knight, and smote him so that
man and horse fell down. And then straight to the third knight
he rode, and he smote him behind his horse tail a spear's length.
And then he alight down, and reined his horse on the bridle, and
bound all the three knights fast with the reins of their own bridles.
When Sir Lionel saw him do this he thought to assay him. And
when he was mounted upon his horse he overtook this strong
knight and bad him turn : and the other smote Sir Lionel so hard
that horse and man he bare to the earth, and so he alight down
and bound him fast, and threw him overthwart his own horse, and
so he served them all four, and rode with them away to his own

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 293

castle. And when he came there, he made unarm them, and beat
them with thorns all naked, and after put them in a deep prison,
where there were many more knights that made great dolour
(Book 6, ch. i).

CHAPTER IV

P. 30. Sir Turquine (Book 6, chs. 8, 9).

P. 35. Sir Launcelot came back (Book 6, ch. 18).

P. 37. Gawaine by fraud and unfaith (Book 4, chs. 21, 22).

P. 42. How I rescued yoit from Carados (Book 8, ch. 28).

CHAPTER V

P. 48. Your birthright goes from you.

Sir Tor, which was King Pellinore's first son, and Sir Aglovale
was his next son ; Sir Lamorak Dornor Percivale these were his
sons too (Book 10, ch. 23). Sir, ye shall understand my name is Sir
Lamorak de Galis, son and heir unto the good knight and king,
King Pellinore ; and Sir Tor the good knight is my half-brother
(Book 10, ch. 19).

CHAPTER VI

P. 52. The Questing Beast (Book i, ch. 17).

Ibid. The Fair Head.

Anon Pellinore rode toward Camelot, and came by the well
there as the wounded knight was and the lady, there he found the
knight, and the lady eaten with lions or wild beasts all save the
head, wherefore he made great sorrow, and wept passing sore, and
said, Alas ! her life might I have saved, but I was so fierce in my
quest, therefore, I would not abide. I wot not, said Pellinore,
but my heart mourneth sore for the death of her, for she was
a passing fair lady and a young. . . . Truly, said Merlin, ye
ought so to repent it, for the lady was your own daughter, and
that knight that was dead was her love and should have wedded
her, and she for great sorrow and dole slew herself with his sword,
and her name was Eleine. And because ye would not abide
and help her, ye shall see your best friend fail you when ye be in

294, AGLOVALE DE GALIS

the greatest distress that ever ye were or shall be. And that
penance God has ordained you for that deed, that he that ye shall
most trust to of any man alive, he shall leave you there as ye
shall be slain. Me forthinketh, said King Pellinore, that this shall
betide, but God may well fordo destiny (Book 3, chs. 14, 15).
P. 52. Gawaine and his brethren to avenge (Book 2, ch. 10).

CHAPTER VII

P. 64. His ending of the wicked Annowre (Book 9, ch. 16).
Ibid. His encounter unknown with Lamorak (Book 9, ch. 14).
P. 67. Sir Hermind (Book 10, chs. 61-63).

P. 69. To face King Arthur.

There came to the court a knight, with a young squire with him ;
and when this knight was unarmed, he went to the king, and re-
quired him to make the young squire a knight. Of what lineage
is he come ? said King Arthur. Sir, said the knight, he is the son
of King Pellinore, that did you sometime good service, and he is
brother unto Lamorak de Galis, the good knight. Well, said the
king, for what cause desire ye that of me that I should make him
knight ? Wot you well, my lord the king, that this young squire is
brother to me as well as to Sir Lamorak, and my name is Agio-
vale. Sir Aglovale, said Arthur, for the love of Sir Lamorak, and
for his father's love, he shall be made knight to-morrow. Now
tell me, said Arthur, what is his name ? Sir, said the knight, his
name is Percivale de Galis.

So on the morn the king made him knight in Camelot.
But the king and all the knights thought it would be long or that
he proved a good knight. Then at the dinner, when the king
was set at the table, and every knight after he was of prowess, the
king commanded him to be set among mean knights ; and so was
Percivale set as the king commanded. There was there a maiden
in the queen's court that was come of high blood ; and she was
dumb and never spake word. Right so she came straight into the
hall, and went unto Sir Percivale, and took him by the hand and
said aloud, that the king and all the knights might hear it, Arise,
Sir Percivale, the noble knight and God's knight, and go with me ;
and so he did. And then she brought him to the right side of the
siege- perilous, and said, Fair knight, take here thy siege, for that
siege appertaineth to thee and to none other. Right so she

AGLOV7ALE DE GALIS 295

departed and asked a priest. And as she was confessed and
houselled ; then she died. Then the king and all the court made
great joy of Sir Percivale (Book 10, ch. 23).

P. 74. They had counselled and agreed (Book 10, ch. 21).
Ibid. Let us send and fetch our mother (Book 10, ch. 24).
P. 75. Sir Percivale went into Cornwall (Book 10, ch. 51.).

Ibid. After his nephew Tristram had saved himfrom his enemies
(Book 10, chs. 28-30).

Ibid. Broke the faith he had sworn on a book (Book 10, ch. 22).
Ibid. Made away with him (Book 10, ch. 50).

Ibid. The luring of Lamorak.

Sir Gawaine and his brethren sent for their mother there
besides fast by a castle beside Camelot ; and all was to that intent
to slay Sir Lamorak. The queen of Orkney was there but a
while, but Sir Lamorak wist of her being, and was full fain ; and
for to make an end of this matter he sent unto her, and then
betwixt them was a time assigned that Sir Lamorak should come
to her. Thereof was ware Sir Gaheris, and there he rode afore,
the same time, and waited upon Sir Lamorak. And then he
saw where he came all armed ; and where Sir Lamorak alight, he
tied his horse to a privy postern, and so he went into a parlour
and unarmed him ; and then he went unto the queen, and she
made of him passing great joy, and he of her again, for either
loved other passing sore. So when the knight, Sir Gaheris, saw
his time, he came unto them all armed, with his sword naked, and
suddenly gat his mother by the hair, and strake off her head.
When Sir Lamorak saw the blood dash upon him all hot, the
which he loved passing well, wit you well he was sore abashed and
dismayed of that dolorous knight. And therewithal Sir Lamorak
leaped up as a knight dismayed, saying thus: Ah, Sir Gaheris,
knight of the Table Round, foul and evil have ye done, and to you
great shame. Alas, why have ye slain your mother that bare
you ; with more right ye should have slain me. The offence hast
thou done, said Gaheris, notwithstanding a man is born to offer
his service, but yet shouldest thou beware with whom thou
meddlest, for thou hast put me and my brethren to a shame, and
thy father slew our father ; and for thou to love our mother is too
much shame for us to suffer. And as for thy father King Pellinore,
my brother Sir Gawaine and I slew him. Ye did him the more

296 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

wrong, said Sir Lamorak, for my father slew not your father ; it
was Balan le Savage ; and as yet my father's death is not
revenged. Leave those words, said Gaheris, for and thou speak
feloniously I will slay thee, but because thou art unarmed I am
ashamed to slay thee. But wit thou will in what place I may get
thee I shall slay thee ; and now my mother is quit of thee ; and
therefore withdraw thee and take thine armour, that thou were
gone. Sir Lamorak saw there was none other boot, but fast armed
him and took his horse, and rode his way making great sorrow.
Wit ye well, Sir Gawaine was wroth that Gaheris had slain his
mother and let Sir Lamorak escape (Book 10, ch. 24).

P. 76. Promised to love him (Book 10, ch. 19).

Ibid. He encountered the sons of Lot (Book 10, ch. 21).

Ibid. His last tournament (Book 10, chs. 44, 45).

Ibid. For the sake of Arthur he revenged.

Sir, said Lamorak, wit you well I owe you my service : but as at
this time I will not abide here, for I see of mine enemies many
about me. Alas, said Arthur, now wot I well it is Sir Lamorak de
Galis. O, Lamorak, abide with me, and by my crown I shall
never fail thee : and not so hardy in Gawaine's head, nor none of
his brethren to do thee wrong. Sir, said Lamorak, wrong have
they done me and to you both. That is truth, said King Arthur,
for they slew their own mother and my sister, which me sore
grieveth. It had been much fairer and better that ye had wedded
her, for ye are a king's son as well as they. Truly, said the noble
knight Sir Lamorak unto Arthur, her death will I never forget ; I
promise you, and make mine avow I shall avenge her death as
soon as I see time convenient. And if it were not at the reverence
of your highness, I should now have been revenged upon Sir
Gawaine and his brethren. Truly, said Arthur, I will make you at
accord. Sir, said Lamorak, as at this time I may not abide with
you (Book 10, ch. 46).

Ibid. How he parted from La^^ncelot.

Sir Lamorak would not go with them. I will undertake, said
Sir Launcelot, that and ye will go with us, King Arthur shall
charge Sir Gawaine and his brethren never to do you hurt. As
for that, said Sir Lamorak, I will not trust Sir Gawaine nor none
of his brethren ; and wit ye well, Sir Launcelot, and it were not for
my lord King Arthur's sake, I should match Sir Gawaine and his
brethren well enough. But to say that I should trust them, that

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 297

shall I never. And, sir, it is but late that I revenged that when
my lord Arthur's kin were put to the worse by Sir Palamides.
Then Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Launcelot, and either wept
at their departing (Book 10, ch. 49).

P. 76. That foul battle.

Sir, said Gareth, well I understand the vengeance of my
brethren, Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Gaheris, and Mordred.
But as for me, I meddle not of their matters ; and for I understand
they be murderers of good knights I left their company, and God
would I had been by, said Gareth, when the noble knight Sir
Lamorak was slain. Yea, said Sir Palamides, and so would I had
been there, and that day that he was slain he did the most deeds
of arms that ever I saw knight do in all my life days. And when
he was given the degree by my lord Arthur, Sir Gawaine and his
three brethren, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, set upon
Sir Lamorak in a privy place, and there they slew his horse, and
so they fought with him on foot more than three hours, both before
him and behind him ; and Sir Mordred gave him his death's wound
behind him at his back, and all to-hewed him. Fie upon treason,
said Sir Tristram, for it killeth my heart to hear this tale. So
doth it mine, said Gareth (Book 10, ch. 58).

Ibid. Percivale heard the tidings (Book 10, ch. 54).

CHAPTER VIII

P. 78. The madness of Sir Launcelot (Book n, ch. 9).
Ibid. They found the queen their mother (Book n, ch. 10).

P. 80. For spending. — Interment was made.

She sent a squire after them with spending enough. And so
when the squire had overtaken them, they would not suffer him to
ride with them, but sent him home again to comfort their mother,
praying her meekly for her blessing. And so this squire was
benighted, and by misfortune he happened to come unto a castle
where dwelled a baron. And so when the squire came into the
castle, the lord asked him from whence he came, and whom he
served. My lord, said the squire, I serve a good knight that is
called Sir Aglovale. The squire said it to good intent, weening
unto him to have been more forborne for Sir Aglovale's sake than

298 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

if he had said he had served the queen, Aglovale's mother. Well,
my fellow, said the lord of that castle, for Sir Aglovale's sake thou
shalt have evil lodging, for Aglovale slew my brother, and therefore
thou shalt die on part of payment. And then that lord com-
manded his men to have him away, and so pulled him out of the
castle and there they slew him without mercy. Right so on the
morn came Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale riding by a church-
yard, where men and women were busy, and beheld the dead
squire, and they thought to bury him. What is there, said Sir
Aglovale, that ye behold so fast? A good man start forth and
said, Fair knight, here lieth a squire slain shamefully this night.
How was he slain, fair fellow ? said Sir Aglovale. My fair sir, said
the man, the lord of this castle lodged this squire this night, and
because he said he was servant unto a good knight that is with
King Arthur, his name is Sir Aglovale, therefore the lord com-
manded to slay him, and for this cause is he slain. Gramercy,
said Sir Aglovale, and ye shall see his death revenged lightly, for
I am that same knight for whom this squire was slain. Then
Sir Aglovale called unto him Sir Percivale, and bad him alight
lightly, and so they alight both and betook their horses to their
men, and so they went on foot into the castle. And all so soon as
they were within the castle gate, Sir Aglovale bad the porter,
Go thou unto thy lord and tell him that I am Sir Aglovale for
whom this squire was slain this night. Anon the porter told this
to his lord, whose name was Goodewin ; anon he armed him, and
then he came into the court and said, Which of you is Sir
Aglovale ? Here I am, said Aglovale : for what cause slewest
thou this night my mother's squire ? I slew him, said Sir
Goodewin, because of thee ; for thou slewest my brother Sir
Gawdelin. As for thy brother, said Sir Aglovale, I avow it,
I slew him, for he was a false knight, and a betrayer of ladies and
of good knights ; and for the death of my squire thou shalt die.
I defy thee, said Sir Goodewin. Then they lashed together as
eagerly as it had been two lions ; and Sir Percivale fought with all
the remnant that would fight. And within awhile Sir Percivale
had slain all that would withstand him ; for Sir Percivale dealt so
his strokes that were so rude that there durst no man abide him.
And within a while Sir Aglovale had Sir Goodewin at the earth,
and there he unlaced his helm and strake off his head. And
then they departed and took their horses. And then they let
carry the squire unto a priory, and there they interred him
(Book ii, ch. n).

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 299

P. 89. How the maiden came to Galahad (Book 17, chs. 2-11).

Ibid. Three spindles, white^ green and red.

So they went toward the bed to behold it, and above the head
there hung two spindles which were as white as any snow, and
other that were as red as blood, and other above green as any
emerald : of these three colours were the spindles, and of natural
colour within, and without any painting. These spindles, said
the damsel, were when sinful Eve came to gather fruit, for which
Adam and she were put out of Paradise, she took with her the
bough on which the apple hung. Then perceived she that the
branch was fair and green, and she remembered her the loss which
came from the tree. Then she thought to keep the branch as long
as she might, and she put it in the earth. So by the will of our
Lord the branch grew to a great tree within a little while, and was
as white as any snow, branches, boughs, and leaves, that was a
token a maiden planted it. But after the tree which was white
became green as any grass, and all that came out of it. And in
the same time there was Abel begotten ; thus was the tree long of
green colour. And so it befell many days after, under the same
tree Cain slew Abel, whereof befell great marvel. For anon as
Abel had received the death under the green tree, it lost the green
colour and became red, and that was in tokening of the blood
(Book 17, ch. 5).

CHAPTER IX

P. 92. The night at Cardigan.

And at the last they came to a castle that hight Cardican, and
there Sir Percivale and Sir Aglovale were lodged together, and
privily about midnight Sir Percivale came to Aglovale's squire,
and said, Arise and make thee ready, for ye and I will ride away
secretly. Sir, said the squire, I would full fain ride with you
where ye would have me, but, and my lord your brother take me,
he will slay me. As for that care thou not, for I shall be thy
warrant (Book n, ch. 12).

CHAPTER X
P. 98. He came to a bridge of stone (Book n, ch. 12).

300 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

CHAPTER XI

P. 107. Sir Per sides.

And so Sir Persides rode unto King Arthur, and told there of Sir
Percivale. And when Sir Aglovale heard him speak of his brother
Sir Percivale, he said, He departed from me unkindly. Sir, said
Sir Persides, on my life he shall prove a noble knight as any
now is living. And when he saw Sir Kay and Sir Mordred, Sir
Persides said thus : My fair lords both, Sir Percivale greeteth you
well both, and he sent you word by me that he trusteth to God or
ever he come to the court again to be of as great nobleness as ever
were ye both, and more men to speak of his nobleness than ever
they did you. It may well be, said Sir Kay and Sir Mordred, but
at that time when he was made knight he was full unlikely to
prove a good knight. As for that, said King Arthur, he must
needs prove a good knight, for his father and his brethren were
noble knights (Book n, ch. 12).

P. in. Sir Ector came upon him (Book u, chs. 13, 14).

P. 112. She gave away her life.

So they came to a castle, and there came a knight and said,
Lords, hark what I shall say unto you. This gentlewoman that
you lead with you is a maid ? Sir, said she, a maid I am. Then
he took her by the bridle, and meanwhile there came out a ten or
twelve knights armed, out of the castle, and with them came gentle-
women which held a dish of silver, and then they said, This
gentlewoman must yield us the custom of this castle. Sir, said a
knight, what maid passeth hereby shall give this dish full of blood
of her right arm. Blame have ye, said Galahad, that brought up
such customs, and I ensure you of this gentlewoman ye shall fail
while that I live. Truly, said Sir Percivale, I had lever be slain.
And I also, said Sir Bors. For God's love, said the gentlewoman,
go thither and spare not for me. So the three knights asked the
custom of the castle and wherefore it was. What it is, said they, we
will say you sooth. There is in this castle a gentlewoman which
we and this castle is hers. So it befell many years agone there fell
upon her a malady. And when she had lain a great while she fell
into a measle, and of no leech she could have no remedy. But at
last an old man said, and she might have a dish full of blood of a
maid and a clean virgin in will and in work, and a king's daughter,

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 301

that blood should be her health, and for to anoint her withal : and
for this thing was this custom made. Now, said Percivale's sister,
fair knights, I see well that this gentlewoman is but dead. Certes,
said Galahad, and if ye bleed so much ye may die. Truly, said
she, and I die for to heal her, I shall get me great worship and
soul's health, and worship to my lineage, and better is one harm
than twain. And therefore there shall be no more battle, but
to-morn I shall yield you your custom of this castle. And she
would none other whether they would or nold. And on the morn
they heard mass, and Sir Percivale's sister bad bring forth the
sick lady. So she was, the which was evil at ease. Then said she,
Who shall let me blood ? So one came forth and let her blood,
and she bled so much that the dish was full. Then she lift up her
hand and blessed her. And then she said to the lady, Madam,
I am come to the death, for to make you whole ; for God's love
pray for me. With that she fell in a swoon. Then Galahad and
his two fellows start up to her, and lift her up, and stanched her,
but she had bled so much that she might not live. Then asked
she her Saviour, and so soon as she had received Him the soul
departed from the body (Book 17, chs. 10, u).

CHAPTER XIII

P. 126. As she was hawking by the water (Book 12, ch. 7).
P. 127. As he rode in a forest (Book ir, chs. 13, 14).
P. 130. Alone she came to Camelot (Book 13, ch. 5).
Ibid. He came late to Camelot (Book 13, ch. 8).

CHAPTER XIV

P. 139. When young Sir Galahad broke spears (Book 13, ch. 6).

P. 141. The thunder of miracle broke (Book 13, ch. 7).

P. 142. The tomb of Lot (Book 2, ch. 11).

P. 148. A Queen recluse (Book 14, ch. i).

P. 151. The tomb of Nacien (Book 13, ch. u).

Ibid. Sir Pinel le Savage (Book 18, ch. 3).

P. 152. Came she with the two wicked queens (Book 21, chs. 5, 6).

302 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

CHAPTER XVI

P. 171. In the city of S arras,

There the king was a tyrant, and was come of the line of
paynims, and took them, and put them in prison in a deep hole.
But as soon as they were there, our Lord sent them the Sancgreal,
through whose grace they were alway fulfilled while that they
were in prison. So at the year's end it befell that this king
Estorause lay sick and felt that he should die. Then he sent for
the three knights, and they came afore him, and he cried them
mercy of that he had done to them, and they forgave it him
goodly, and he died anon. When the king was dead all the city
was dismayed, and wist not who might be their king. Right so
there came a voice among them, and bad them choose the
youngest knight of them three to be their king. So they made
Galahad king by all the assent of the whole city, and else they
would have slain him (Book 17, ch. 22).

CHAPTER XVII

P. 173. Sir Breuse Saunce Pitd (Book 9, ch. 26 ; Book 10,
chs. i, 25, 35, 65).

P. 174. A trick (Book 10, ch. 53).
Ibid. Sir Bertelot the one-handed (Book 12, ch. 2).
P. 1 80. Him Gawaine slew (Book 16, ch. 2).
Ibid. King Bagdemagus (Book 17, ch. 17).

Ibid. Gawaine slew.

And then he told the hermit how a monk called me wicked
knight. He might well say it, said the hermit. For certes, had ye
not been so wicked as ye are, never had the seven brethren been
slain by you and your two fellows. For Sir Galahad, himself
alone, beat them all seven the day before, but his living is such he
shall slay no man lightly (Book 13, ch. 16). Said the good man,
The adventure of the Sancgreal which ye have undertaken, marvel
not though ye fail thereof, and many other. For ye be an untrue
knight and a great murderer. For I dare say, as sinful as Sir
Launcelot hath been, sith that he went into the quest of the

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 303

Sancgreal he slew never man, nor naught shall till he come unto
Camelot again. For he hath taken upon him to forsake sin
(Book 16, ch. 5).

P. 1 80. Sailed the seas 'with Galahad (Book 17, ch. 13).

CHAPTER XX

P. 202. Sir Bors returned (Book 17, ch. 23).
Ibid. How the Quest was achieved (Book 17).

P. 203. For he abandoned his brother.

So he met two knights that led Lionel his brother all naked,
bounden upon a strong hackney, and his hands bounden tofore
his breast : and every each of them held in his hand thorns,
wherewith they went beating him so sore that the blood trailed
down more than in an hundred places of his body, so that he was
all blood tofore and behind, but he said never a word, as he which
was great of heart ; he suffered all that ever they did to him as
though he had felt none anguish. Anon Sir Bors saw a knight
which brought a fair gentlewoman, and would have set her in the
thickest place of the forest. And she cried with an high voice,
Saint Mary, succour your maid ! And anon she espied Sir Bors,
and she conjured him, by the faith that he owed unto Him in
whose service thou art entered in, and for the faith ye owe unto
the high order of knighthood, and for the noble king Arthur's
sake, that I suppose that made thee knight, that thou help me
and suffer me not to be shamed of this knight !

When Bors heard her says thus, he had so much sorrow there
he nist not what to do. For if I let my brother be in adventure
he must be slain, and that would I not for all the earth. And
if I help not the maid, she is shamed for ever, and also she shall
lose her honour, the which she shall never get again. Then lift
he up his eyes, and said weeping, Fair sweet Lord Jesu Christ
whose liege man I am, keep Lionel my brother that these knights
slay him not ; and for pity of you, and for Mary's sake, I shall
succour this maid (Book 16, ch. 9).

P. 204. A voice bade him go seek Sir Percivale (Book 16,
ch. 17).

Ibid. How he was tempted.

Also he drank the strongest wine that ever he drank, and
therewith he was a little heated more than he ought to be. With

304 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

that he beheld the gentlewoman, and him thought that she was
the fairest creature that ever he saw. And then Sir Percivale
proffered her love, and she refused him in a manner, for the cause
that he should be more ardent on her. And when she saw him
well enchafed, then she said, Sir Percivale, I shall not fulfil your
will, but if ye swear from henceforth ye shall be my true servant ;
will ye ensure me this as ye be a true knight ? Yea, said he, fair
lady, by the faith of my body. Well, said she, now shall ye do
with me what so it please you. And then Sir Percivale came
near to her, to proffer her love, and by adventure and grace he
saw his sword lie upon the ground all naked, in whose pommel
was a red cross, and the sign of the crucifix therein, and bethought
him on his knighthood, and his promise. Then he made the sign
of the cross in his forehead, and therewith the pavilion turned up
so down, and then it changed unto a smoke and a black cloud,
and then he was adread, and cried aloud, Fair sweet Father,
Jesu Christ, ne let me not be shamed, the which was near lost
had not thy good grace been ! And then he looked into a ship,
and saw her enter therein, which said, Sir Percivale, ye have
betrayed me. And so she went with the wind roaring and yelling,
that it seemed that all the water burnt after her. Then Sir Per-
civale made great sorrow, and drew his sword unto him, saying,
Sithen my flesh will be my master I shall punish it. And there-
with he rove himself through the thigh, that the blood start about
him, and said, O good Lord, take this in recompensation of that
I have done against thee, my Lord. So then he clothed him and
armed him, and called himself a wretch, saying, How nigh was
I lost, and to have lost that I should never have gotten again,
that was my virginity, for that may never be recovered after it
is once lost. Thus as he made his moan, he saw the good man,
and he went unto him weakly, and there he told him altogether.
Knew ye not the maid ? said the good man. Sir, said he, nay ;
but well I wot the fiend sent her hither to shame me. Oh good
knight, said he, thou art a fool, for that gentlewoman was the
master fiend of hell, the which had overcome thee, had not the
grace of God been (Book 14, chs. 9, 10).

CHAPTER XXI

P. 209. The tale of the empoisoned apples (Book 18, chs. 3-8).
Ibid. Meliagraunce (Book 19).

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 305

CHAPTER XXIII
P. 241. Sir Urre (Book 19, chs. 10-12).
P. 244. Feldolie (Book 19, ch. 13).

CHAPTER XXIV
P. 247. The piteous story (Book 20).

Ibid. Fondly pretending.

For as the French book saith, the king was full loth thereto,
that any noise should be upon Sir Launcelot and his queen ; for the
king had a deeming, but he would not hear of it, for Sir Launcelot
had done so much for him and for the queen so many times, that,
wit ye well the king loved him passingly well (Book 20, ch. 2).

P. 248. Sir Bors awaiting Sir Launcelot s return (Book 20,
ch. 5).

P. 254. Gaivaine had refused (Ch. 8).

CHAPTER XXV

P. 259. Gawaine cried me thus.

Then spake Sir Gawaine and said : My Lord Arthur, I would
counsel you not to be over hasty, but that ye would put it in respite,
this judgment of my lady the queen, for many causes. One it is,
though it were so that Sir Launcelot were found in the queen's
chamber, yet it might be he came thither for none evil, for ye
know, my lord, said Gawaine, that the queen is much beholden
unto Sir Launcelot, more than unto any other knight, for oft-times
he hath saved her life, and done battle for her when all the court
refused the queen, and, peradventure, she sent for him for goodness
and for none evil, to reward him for his good deeds that he hath
done to her in time past. And, peradventure, my lady the queen
sent for him to that intent that Sir Launcelot should come to her
good grace privily and secretly, weening to her that it was best so
to do in eschewing and dreading of slander. For oft-times we do
many things that we ween it to be for the best, and yet, peradventure,
it turneth to the worst. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, that my
lady your queen is to you both good and true. And as for Sir
Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I dare say he will make it good upon
any knight living that will put upon himself villainy or shame, and
x

306 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

in likewise he will make good for my lady dame Guenever. That
I believe well, said King Arthur, but I will not that way with Sir
Launcelot, for he trusteth so much upon his hands and his might
that he doubteth no man, and therefore for my queen he shall
never fight more, for she shall have the law. And if I may get
Sir Launcelot, wit ye well he shall have a shameful death. Jesu
defend, said Sir Gawaine, that I may never see it (Book 20, ch. 7).

P. 261. Of incest.

Thither came to him Lot's wife of Orkney, in manner of a
messenger ; and she came richly beseen with her four sons,
Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine and Gareth, with many other
knights and ladies, and she was a passing fair lady, wherefore the
king cast great love unto her, and they were agreed, and she was
his sister on the mother side Igraine. So there she rested her a
month, and at the last departed. Then the king dreamed a
marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread. But all this time
King Arthur knew not that King Lot's wife was his sister. Thus
was the dream of Arthur. Him thought that there was come into
this land griffons and serpents, and him thought they hunt and
slew all the people in the land, and then him thought he fought
with them, and they did him passing great harm and wounded
him full sore, but at last he slew them. When the king awaked
he was passing heavy of his dream (Book i, ch. 17). Then said the
old man, Ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with
you, and your sister shall have a child that shall destroy you and
all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said Arthur, that tell
me these tidings ? I am Merlin. Ah, said King Arthur, ye are a
marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy words that I must die
in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is God's will your body
to be punished for your foul deeds (Book i, ch. 18).

Ibid. A horrid deed.

Then King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-
day of lords and ladies, for Merlin told King Arthur that he that
should destroy him should be born on May-day, wherefore he sent
for them all upon pain of death. And so there were found many
lords' sons, and all were sent unto the king, and so was Mordred
sent by King Lot's wife, and all were put in a ship to the sea, and
some were four weeks old and some less. And so by fortune the
ship drove unto a castle, and was all to-riven and destroyed the
most part, save that Mordred was cast up, and a good man found
him and nourished him until he was fourteen year old, and then

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 307

he brought him to the court. So many lords and barons of this
realm were displeased, for their children were so lost (Book i,
ch. 25).

P. 261. King Lot against him.

King Lot that of late time afore had been a knight of King
Arthur's, and wedded the sister of King Arthur, and for the wrong
King Arthur did him, therefore King Lot held against Arthur
(Book 2, ch. 10).

Ibid. The gift King Leodegrance sent.

That is to me, said King Leodegrance, the best tidings that
ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess and noblesse will
wed my daughter. And as for my lands I will give him wist I it
might please him, but he hath lands enough, him needeth none, but
I shall send him a gift shall please him much more, for I shall give
him the Table Round, the which Uther Pendragon gave me, and
when it is full complete there is an hundred knights and fifty.
And as for a hundred good knights I have myself, but I lack fifty,
for so many have been slain in my days. And so King Leodegrance
delivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table Round,
with the hundred knights, and so they rode freshly, with great
royalty, what by water and what by land, till they were come nigh
unto London.

When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the
hundred knights with the Table Round, then King Arthur made
great joy of their coming, and that rich present, and said openly,
This fair lady is passing welcome unto me, for I have loved her
long, and therefore there is nothing so lief to me. And these knights
with the Round Table please me more than right great riches
(Book 3, chs. i, 2).

P. 262. Whether verily he slew King Lot.

So there was a knight called Pellinore, the which was a good
man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at King Lot as he
fought with all his enemies, and he failed of his stroke and he
smote the horse's neck, that he fell to the ground with King Lot ;
and therewith anon Sir Pellinore smote him a great stroke through
the helm and head unto the brows. And then all the host of
Orkney fled for the death of King Lot ; and there were slain many
mothers' sons. But King Pellinore bare the blame for the death of
King Lot (Book 2, ch. 10). My father slew not your father ; it
was Balan le Savage (Book 10, ch. 24).

308 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

CHAPTER XXVIII

P. 277. Unhappy Guenever.

Then the queen was led forth without Carlisle, and there she
was despoiled into her smock. And so then her ghostly father
was brought to her, to be shriven of her misdeeds. Then was
there weeping and wailing and wringing of hands of many lords
and ladies. Then was there one that Sir Launcelot had sent unto
that place for to espy what time the queen should go to her death.
And anon, as he saw the queen despoiled into her smock, and so
shriven, then he gave Sir Launcelot warning. Then was there but
spurring and plucking up of horses, and right so they came to the
fire, and who that stood against them, there they were slain, there
might none withstand Sir Launcelot, so all that bare arms and
withstood them, there were they slain — full many a noble knight.
For there was slain Sir Belias le Orgulous, Sir Segwarides, Sir
Griflet, Sir Brandiles, Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir Gauter, Sir Gillimer,
Sir Reynold, three brethren, Sir Damas, Sir Priamus, Sir Kay the
stranger, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Herminde, Sir Pertilope,
Sir Perimones, two brethren that were called the green knight and
the red knight. And so in the rashing and hurling as Sir Launce-
lot thrang here and there, it mishapped him to slay Gaheris and
Sir Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and unaware,
for, as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot smote Sir Gareth and
Sir Gaheris upon the brain-pans, where through they were slain
in the field, howbeit in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and
so were they found dead in the thickest of the press. Then when
Sir Launcelot had thus done and slain, and put to flight all that
would withstand him, then he rode straight unto dame Guenever,
and made a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her, and then he
made her to be set behind him, and prayed her to be of good
cheer. Wit you well the queen was glad that she was escaped
from the death, and then she thanked God and Sir Launcelot.
And so he rode his way with the queen unto Joyous Gard
(Book 20, ch. 8).

P. 287. Extreme haste (Book 20, ch. 10).

PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLES.

A CATALOGUE OF BOOKS

PUBLISHED BY METHUEN

AND COMPANY: LONDON

36 ESSEX STREET

W.C.

CONTENTS

GENERAL LITERATURE, .
ANCIENT CITIES, . .
ANTIQUARY'S BOOKS, .
BEGINNER'S BOOKS,
BUSINESS BOOKS, .
BYZANTINE TEXTS,
CHURCHMAN'S BIBLE, .
CHURCHMAN'S LIBRARY,
CLASSICAL TRANSLATIONS,
COMMERCIAL SERIES, .
CONNOISSEUR'S LIBRARY,
LIBRARY OF DEVOTION,
.METHUEN'S HALF-CROWN LIBRARY,
ILLUSTRATED POCKET LIBRARY OK

PLAIN AND COLOURED BOOKS,
JUNIOR EXAMINATION SERIES,
METHUEN'S JUNIOR SCHOOL-BOOKS, 24
LEADERS OF RELIGION,
LITTLE BLUE BOOKS, .

PAGE

PACK

2-19

LITTLE BOOKS ON ART, . .

25

'9

LITTLE GALLERIES,

26

19

LITTLE GUIDES

36

19

LITTLB LIBRARY, ....

26

20

METHUF.N'S MINIATURE LIBRARY,

38

2O

2O

OXFORD BIOGRAPHIES, .

28

21

SCHOOL EXAMINATION SERIES, .

28

31

SOCIAL QUESTIONS OF TO-DAY, .

39

31

METHUEN'S STANDARD LIBRARY,

29

22

TEXTBOOKS OF TECHNOLOGY,

30

32

HANDBOOKS OP THEOLOGY, .

3°

', 23

DF

WESTMINSTER COMMENTARIES, .

31

33-40

23
24

METHUEN'S SHILLING NOVELS, .

37

s, 24

BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS,

38

25

NOVELS OF ALEXANDRE DUMAS, .

38

25

METHUEN'S SIXPENNY BOOKS,

39

SEPTEMBER 1905

A CATALOGUE OF

MESSRS. METHUEN'S

PU BL I C ATI O NS

Colonial Editions are published of all Messrs. METHUEN'S Novels issued
at a price above as. 6d., and similar editions ar« published of some works of
General Literature. These are marked in the Catalogue. Colonial editions
ars only for circulation in the British Colonies and India.

An ast«risk denotes that a book is in the Press.

PART I. — GENERAL LITERATURE

THE MOTOR YEAR BOOK FOR 1905.
With many Illustrations and Diagrams.
Crown &vo. $s. net.

HEALTH, WEALTH AND WISDOM.
Crown Zvo, is. net.

FELISSA; OR, THE LIFE AND
OPINIONS OF A KITTEN OF SENTI-
.MENT. With 12 Coloured Plates. Post
161110. ss. 6</. net

Abbot (Jacob). See Little Blue Books.

"AbbOtt (J. H. M.), Author of 'Tommy
Cornstalk.' THE OLD COUNTRY : IM-
PRESSIONS OF AN AUSTRALIAN IN ENGLAND.
Crown 8r><7 6s.

AcatOS (M. J.). See Junior School Books.

Adams (Frank). JACKSPRATT. With 24

Coloured Pictures. Super Royal \dnio. 2$.
Adeney (W. F.), M.A. See Bennett and

Adeney.

JESChylUS. See Classical Translations.
JEsOp. See Illustrated Pocket Library.

Ainsworth (W. Harrison). See Illustrated

Pocket Library.

*Aldis (Janet). MADAME GEOFFRIN,
HER SALON, AND HER TIMES.
With many Portraits and Illustrations.
Demy 8vo. los. f>d. nft.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

Alderson (J. P.). MR. ASQUITH. With

Portraits and Illustrations. Demy 8vo.

fs. 6d. net.
Alexander (William), D.D., Archbishop

ef Armagh. THOUGHTS AND

COUNSELS OF MANY YEARS.

Selected by J. H. BURN, B.D. Demy i6mo.

2.?. 6d.
Alken (Henry). THE NATIONAL

SPORTS OF GREAT BRITAIN. With

descriptions in English and French. With

51 Coloured Plates. Royal Ftlio. Five

Guineas net.
See also Illustrated Pocket Library.

Allen (Jessie). See Little Books on Art.
Allen (J. Komllly), F.S.A. See Antiquary's

Books.
Almack (E-). See Little Books on Art.

Amherst (Lady). A SKETCH OF
EGYPTIAN HISTORY FROM THE
EARLIEST TIMES TO THE PRE-
SENT DAY. With many Illustrations,
some of which are in Colour. Dewy 8wo.
i os. 6d. net.

Anderson (F. M.). THE STORY OF THE
BRITISH EMPIRE FOR CHILDREN.
With many Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 21.

* Anderson (J. G.), B. A., Examiner to London
University, the College of Preceptors, and
the Welsh Intermediate Board. NOUV-
ELLE GRAMMAIRE FRANCAISE.
Crown 8710. ys.

^EXERCISES ON NOUVELLE GRAM-
MAIRE FRANCAISE. Crown 8vo.
is. 6d.

Andrewes (Bishop). PRECES PRI-

VATAE. Edited, with Notes, by F. E.
BRIGHTMAN, M. A., of Pusey House, Oxford.
Crown ST'O. 6s.

Anglo-Australian. AFTER-GLOW ME-
MORIES. Crown &vo. 6s.

Aristophanes. THE FROGS. Translated
into English by E. W. HuNTiNdFORD,
M.A. , Professor of Classics in Trinity
College, Toronto. Crown ftvo. vs. 6d.

Aristotle. THE NICOMACHEAN
ETHICS. Edited, with an Introduction
and Notes, by JOHN BURNET, M.A., Pro-
fessor of Greek at St. Andrews. DemyZvo.
ioj. 6J. net.

AshtOU (R.). See Little Blue Books.

*Askham (Richard). THE LIFE OF
WALT WHITMAN. With Portraits and
Illustrations. Demy Svo. los. (id. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Atkins (H. G.). See Oxford Biographies.

Atkinson (C. M.). JEREMY BENTHAM.
Demy Svo. 5^. net.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Atkinson (T. D.). A SHORT HISTORY
OF ENGLISH ARCHITECTURE.
With over 200 Illustrations by the Author
and others. Second Edition. Fcap. Svo.
3.J. 6d. tut.

*A GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN
ENGLISH ARCHITECTURE. Fcap.
Svo. 3£. (id. net.

Auden (T.), M.A.. F.S.A. See Ancient Cities.

AureliUS (MarCUB). See Methuen's Stan-
dard Library.

Austen (Jane). See Little Library and
Methuen's Standard Library.

AV6B (Ernest). See Books on Business.

Bacon (Francis). See Little Library and
Methuen's Standard Library.

Baden-Powell (R. S. S.), Major-General.
THE DOWNFALL OF PREMPEH. A
Diary of Life in Ashanti, 1895. With 21
Illustrations and a Map. Third Edition.
Large Crown Svo. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

THE A1ATABELE CAMPAIGN, 1896.
With nearly 100 Illustrations. Fourth and
Cheaper Edition. Large Crown Svo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Bailey (J.C.).M. A. See Cowper.

Baker (W. G.), M.A. See Junior Examina-
tion Series.

Baker ( Julian L.), F.I.C., F.C.S. See Books

on Business.

Balfour (Graham). THE LIFE OF
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON. Second
Edition. Two Volumes. Demy Svo. 25$.
net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Bally (8. E.). See Commercial Series.

Banks (Elizabeth L.). T H E A U T O-

BIOGRAPHY OF A 'NEWSPAPER

GIRL.' With a Portrait of the Author and

her Dog. Secomi Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

Barham (R. H.). See Little Library.

Baring (The Hon. Maurice). WITH
THE RUSSIANS IN MANCHURIA.
Demy Svo. js. 6d. net.
A Colonial Edition u also published.

Baring-Gould (S.). THE LIFE OF
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. With over
450 Illustrations in the Text, and 12 Photo-
gravure Plates. Gilt top. Large quarto. 36*.

THE TRAGEDY OF THE CAESARS.
With numerous Illustrations from Busts,
Gems, Cameos, etc. Fifth Edition. Royal
Svo. IQS. 6d. net.

A BOOK OF FAIRY TALES. With
numerous Illustrations and Initial Letters
by ARTHUR J. GASKIN. Second Edition.
Crown Svo. Buckram. 6s.

A BOOK OF BRITTANY. With numerous
Illustrations. Crown Svo. 6s.

OLD ENGLISH FAIRY TALES. With
numerous Illustrations by F. D. BEDFORD.
Second Edition. Crown Svo. Buckram. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

THE VICAR OF MORWENSTOW : A
Biography. A new and Revised Edition.
With a Portrait. Crown Svo. jr. 6d.

DARTMOOR: A Descriptive and Historical
Sketch. With Plans and numerous Illus-
trations. Crwn Svo. 6s.

THE BOOK OF THE WEST. With
numerous Illustrations. Twovolumes. Vol.i.
Devon. Second Edition. Vol. n. Cornwall.
Second Edition. Crown Svo. 6s. each.

A BOOK OF NORTH WALES. With
numerous Illustrations. Crown Svo. 6s.

A BOOK OF SOUTH WALES. With
many Illustrations. Crown Svo. 6s.

•THE RIVIERA. With many Illustrations.
Crown Svo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

A BOOK OF GHOSTS. With 8 Illustra-
tions by D. Murray Smith. Second Edition.
Crown Svo. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

OLD COUNTRY LIFE. With 67 Illustra-
tions. Fifth Edition. Large Crown Svo. 6s.

A GARLAND OF COUNTRY SONG:
English Folk Songs with their Traditional
Melodies. Collected and arranged by S.
BARING-GOULD and H. F. SHKPPARD.
Demy 4/0. 6*.

SONGS OF THE WEST : Traditional Ballads
and Songs of the West of England, with their
Melodies. Collected by S. BARING-GOULD,
M.A., and H. F. SHKPPARD, M.A. In 4
Parts. Parts /., //., III., zs. 6d. each.
Part IV., 4s, In One Volume, Paper Sides,
Cloth Back, IQT. net. ; Roan, 15^.

See also The Little Guides and Methuen's
Half-Crown Library.

Barker (Aldred F.). See Textbooks of

Technology.
Bames (W. E.), D.D. See Churchman's

Bible.

Barnett (Mrs. P. A.). See Little Library.
Baron (R. R. N.), M.A. FRENCH PROSE

COMPOSITION. Second Edition. Cr. Svo.

2s. 6d. Key, 3$. net. See also Junior School

Books.
Barron (H. M.), M.A., Wadham College.

Oxford. TEXTS FOR SERMONS. With

a Preface by Canon SCOTT HOLLA.ND.

Crown Svo. js. 6a.
Bastable (C. F. ), M. A. See Social Questions

Series.

Batson (Mrs. Stephen). A BOOK OF
THE COUNTRY AND THE GARDEN.
Illustrated by F. CARRUTHERS GOULD and
A. C. GOULD. Demy Svo. los. 6d.

A CONCISE HANDBOOK OF GARDEN
FLOWERS. Fcap. Svo. y. 6d.

Batten (Loring W.), Ph.D., S.T.DySome

time Professor in the Philadelphia Divinity
School. THE HEBREW PROPHET.
Crown Svo. 3.1. 6d. net.
Beaman(A. Hulme). PONSASINORUM;
OR, A GUIDE TO BRIDGE. Second
Edition. Fcap. Svo. a*.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

Beard (W. S.). See Junior Examination
Series and the Beginner's Books.

Beckford (Peter). THOUGHTS ON
HUNTING. Edited by J. OTHO PAGET,
and Illustrated by G. H. JALLAND. Second
and Cheaper Edition, Demy 8vo. 6s.

Beckford (William). See Little Library.

Beeching (H. C.), M.A., Canon of West-
minster. See Library of Devotion.

*Begbie (Harold). MASTER WORKERS.
With Illustrations. Demy 8vo. 75. 6d. net.

Belimen < Jacob). DIALOGUES ON THE

SUPERSENSUAL LIFE. Edited by
BERNARD HOLLAND. Feat. Hvo. 3^. 6d.
Belloc (Hilaire). PARIS. With Maps and

Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 6s.
Bellot(H.H.L.),M.A. THE INNER AND

MIDDLE TEMPLE. With numerous

Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 6s. net.

See also L. A. A. Jones.
Bennett (W. H.), M. A. A PRIMER OF

THE BIBLE. Second Edition. Cr. 8vo.

zs. 6d.

Bennett (W. H.) and Adeney (W. F.). A

BIBLICAL INTRODUCTION. Second

Edition. Crown 8vo. ^s. 6d.
Benson (Archbishop). GOD'S BOARD:

Communion Addresses. Fcap. 8vo. 3*. 6d.

net.
Benson (A. C.), M.A. See Oxford Bio-

Benson (B. M.). THE WAY OF HOLI-
NESS: a Devotional Commentary on the
iigth Psalm. Crown 8vo. 5*.

Bernard (E. R.), M.A., Canon of Salisbury.
THE ENGLISH SUNDAY. Fcap. 8vo.
is.6d.

Bertouch (Baroness de). THE LIFE

OF FATHER IGNATIUS, O.S.B., THE
MONK OF LLANTHONY. With Illus-
trations. Demy 8vo. los. 6d. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Betham-Edwards (M.). HOME LIFE IN

FRANCE. With many Illustrations.
Second Edition. Demy 8vo. js. 6d. net.

Bethune-Baker (J. F.), M.A., Fellow of
Pembroke College, Cambridge. See Hand-
books of Theology.

BidCZ (M.). See Byzantine Texts.

BiggS (C. R. D.), D.D. See Churchman's
Bible.

Bindley (T. Herbert), B.D. THE OECU-
MENICAL DOCUMENTS OF THE
FAITH. With Introductions and Notes.
Crown Zvo. 6s.

Binyon (Laurence). THE DEATH OF
ADAM, AND OTHER POEMS. Crown
8ve. 35. 6d. net.

*WILLIAM BLAKE. In 2 volumes.
Quarto. £i, is. each. Vol. I.

Bimstingl (Ethel). See Little Books on Art.

BlalT (Robert). See Illustrated Pocket

Blakera(William). See Illustrated Pocket
Library and Little Library.

Blaxland (B.)., M.A. See Library of
Devotion. ^O

Bloom (T. Harvey), M.A. SHAKE-
SPEARE'S GARDEN. Withlllus-
trations. Fcap. &va. 3.?. 6d. ', leather, 4*. f>d.
net.

Blouet (Henri). See The Beginner's Books.

Eoardman (T. H.), M.A. See Text Books
of Technology.

Bodley (J. E. C). Author of ' France.' THE
CORONATION OF EDWARD VII.
Denty Svo. sis. net. By Command of the

Bodyg(George), D.D. THE SOUL'S

PILGRIMAGE : Devotional Readings

from his published and unpublished writings.

Selected and arranged by J. H. BURN, B.D.

F.R.S.E. PottZvo. zs.6d.
Bona (Cardinal). See Library of Devotion.
Boon (F. C.). See Commercial Series.
Borrow (George). See Little Library.

BOS (J. Ritzema). AGRICULTURAL

ZOOLOGY. Translated by J. R. AINS-
WORTH DAVIS, M.A. With an Introduction
by ELEANOR A. ORMEROD, F.E.S. With
1 55 Illustrations. CrownSvo. Third Edition.
3*. 6d.

Botting (C. G.), B.A. EASY GREEK
EXERCISES. Crown 8vo. as. See also
Junior Examination Series.

Boulton (E. S.), M.A. GEOMETRY ON
MODERN LINES. Crown 8vo. zs.

'Boulton (William B.). THOMAS
GAINSBOROUGH : His Life, Times,
Work, Sitters, and Friends. With 40 Illus-
trations. Demy &vo. js. (>d. net.

*SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS. With 49
Illustrations. Demy Zvo. js. 6d. net.

Bowden (E. M.). THE IMITATION OF

BUDDHA: Being Quotations from
Buddhist Literature for each Day in the
Year. Fifth Edition. Crown i6»io. zs.dd.

Boyle (W.). CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO.
With Verses by W. BOYLE and 24 Coloured
Pictures by H. B. NEILSON. Super Royal
i6»to. zs.

Brabant (F. G.), M. A. See The Little Guides.

Brodrick(Mary) and Morton (Anderson).
A CONCISE HANDBOOK OF EGYP-
TIAN ARCHAEOLOGY. With many
Illustrations. Crown &vo. 3$. 6d.

Brooke (A. S..) M.A. SLINGSBY AND
SLINGSBY CASTLE. With many Illus-
trations. Crown 8110. js. 6d.

BrOOkS (E. W. ). See Byzantine Tests.

Brown (P. H.), Eraser Professor of Ancient
(Scottish) History at the University of Edin-
burgh. SCOTLAND IN THE TIME OF
QUEEN MARY. Demy 8vo. 7*. 6d. net.

Browne (Sir Thomas). See Methuen's
Standard Library.

BrowneU (C. L.). THE HEART OF
JAPAN. Illustrated. Third Edition.
Crown Svo. 6s. ; also Demy 8vo. 6d.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Browning (Rob«rt). See Little Library.

Buckland (Francis T.). CURIOSITIES
OF NATURAL HISTORY. With Illus-
trations by HARRY B. NEILSON. Crown.
%vo. 35. 6d.

Buckton (A. M.). THE BURDEN OF
ENGELA : a Ballad-Epic. Second Edi-
tion. Crown Svtr. %s. (xi. net.

EAGER HEART : A Mystery Play. Third
Edition. Crown Zv0. is. net.

Budge (E. A. Wallis). THE GODS OF
THE EGYPTIANS. With over 100
Coloured Plates and many Illustrations.
Two Volumes. Royal %vo. £3, -is. net.

Bull (Paul), Army Chaplain. GOD AND
OUR SOLDIERS. Crown &vo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Bulley (Miss). See Social Questions Series.

Bunyan (John). THE PILGRIM'S PRO-
GRESS. Edited, with an Introduction,
by C. H. FISTH, M.A. With 39 Illustra-
tions by R. ANNING BELL. Cr. &vo. 6s.
See also Library of Devotion and Methuen's
Standard Library.

Burch (G. J.), M.A., F.R.S. A MANUAL
OF ELECTRICAL SCIENCE. With
numerous Illustrations. Crown Zvo. is.

Burgess (Gelett). GOOPS AND HOW
TO BE THEM. With numerous Illustra-
tions. Small 4/0. 6s.

Burke (Edmund). See Methuen's Standard
Library.

Bum (A. E.), D.D., Prebendary of Lichfield.
See Handbooks of Theology.

Burn (J. HA B.D. See Library of Devotion.

*Burnand (Sir F. C.). RECORDS AND
REMINISCENCES, PERSONAL AND
GENERAL. With a Portrait by H. v.
HERKOMBR. Crown Zvo. Fourth and
Cheaper Edition. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

Burns (Robert), THE POEMS OF.
Edited by ANDREW LANG and W. A.
CRAIGIE. With Portrait. Third Edition.
Demy &vo, gilt top. 6s.

Burnside (W. F.), M.A. OLD TESTA-
MENT HISTORY FOR USE IN
SCHOOLS. Crown &vo. 33. 6d.

Burton (Alfred). See Illustrated Pocket
Library.

"Bussell (F. W.), D.D., Fellow and Vice-
President of Brasenose College, Oxford.
CHRISTIAN THEOLOGYAND
SOCIAL PROGRESS: The Bamp-
ton Lectures for 1905. Demy 6vo. us. 6d.
net.

Butler (Joseph). See Methuen's Standard
Library.

CaldCCOtt (Alfred), D.D. See Handbooks
of Theology.

OalderwOOd (D. S.), Headmaster of the Nor-
mal School, Edinburgh. TEST CARDS
IN EUCLID AND ALGEBRA. In three
packets ef 40, with Answers, is. each. Or
in three Books, price z</., id., and -$d.

Cambridge (Ada) [Mrs. Cross]. THIRTY

YEARS IN AUSTRALIA. Demy 8*0

^s. M.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

Canning (George). See Little Library.

Capey (E. F. HO. See Oxford Biographies.

Careless (John). See Illustrated Pocket
Library.

Carlyle (Thomas). THE FRENCH RE-
VOLUTION. Edited by C. R. L.
FLETCHER, Fellow of Magdalen College,
Oxford. Three Volumes. Crown Svo. iSs.

THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF OLIVER
CROMWELL. With an Introduction
by C. H. FIRTH, M.A., and Notes and
Appendices by Mrs. S. C. LOMAS. Thret
Volumes. Demy &vo. i8s. net.

Carlyle (R. M. and A. J.), M.A. See
Leaders of Religion.

'Carpenter (Margaret). THE CHILD
IN ART. With numerous Illustrations.
Crown Bvo. 6s.

Chamberlin (Wilbur B.). ORDERED
TO CHINA. Crnun Svo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Charmer (C. C.) and Roberts (M. E-).
LACE-MAKING IN THE MIDLANDS,
PAST AND PRESENT. With 16 full-
page Illustrations. Crown Svo. is. 6d.

ChattertOn (Thomas). See Methuen's
Standard Library.

Chesterfield (Lord), THE LETTERS OF,
TO HIS SON. Edited, with an Introduc-
tion by C. STRACHEY, and Notes by A.
CALTHROP. Two Volumes. Cr. Svo. us.

•Chesterton (G. K.). DICKENS. With
Portraits and Illustrations. Demy Bvo.
js. 6d. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Christian (F. W.) THE CAROLINE
ISLANDS. With many Illustrations and
Maps. Demy Bvo. i ?s. 6d. net.

Cicero. See Classical Translations.

Clarke (F. A), M.A. See Leaders of
Religion.

Cleather (A. L.) and Crump (B.).
RICHARD WAGNERS IVIUSIC
DRAMAS : Interpretations, embodying
Wagner's own explanations. /« Four
Volumes. Fcafi Bvo. is. 6d. each.
VOL. i.— THE RING OF THE NIBELUNG.
VOL. ii.— PARSIFAL, LOHENGRIN, and

THE HOLY GRAIL.
*VoL. in.— TRISTAN AND ISOLDE.

Clinch (G.) See The Little Guides.

ClOUgh (W. T.), See Junior School Books.

Coast (W. O), B.A. EXAMINATION
PAPERS IN VERGIL. Cr<nvn 8vt. it.

Cobb (T.). See Little Blue Books.

*Cobb (W. F.), M.A. THE BOOK OF
PSALMS: with a Commentary. Demy
&vo. ior. 6d. net.

'Coleridge (8. T.), SELECTIONS FROM.
Edited by ARTHUR SYMONS. Feaf. *f««
2S- 6<(. net.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

Collins (W. E.), M.A. See Churchman's

Coionna. HYPNEROTOMACHIA POLL

PHILI UBI HUMANA OMNIA NON
NISI SOMNIUM ESSE DOCET
ATQUE OBITER PLURIMA SCITU
SANE QUAM DIGNA COMMEMO-
RAT. An edition limited to 350 copies on
handmade paper. Folio. Three Guineas net.

Combe (William). See Illustrated Pocket
Library.

Cook (A. M.), M. A. See E. C. Marchant.

Cooke-Taylor (R. W-). See Social Ques-
tions Series.

Corelli (Marie). THE PASSING OF THE
GREAT QUEEN: A Tribute to the
Noble Life of Victoria Regina. Small

A CHRISTMAS GREETING. Sm.+to. w.
Oorkran (Alice). See Little Books on Art.

Cotes (Rosemary). DANTE'S GARDEN.

With a Frontispiece. Second Edition.

Feat. Svo. zs. 6d.; leather, y. 6d. net.
BIBLE FLOWERS. With a Frontispiece

and Plan. Fcap. 8vo. zs. 6d. net.
Cowley (Abraham). See Little Library.

*Cowper (William), THE POEMS OF.

Edited with an Introduction and Notes by
J. C. BAILEY, M.A. With Illustrations,
including two unpublished designs by
WILLIAM BLAKE. Two Volumes. Demy
8fO IOT. 6J. net.

Cox(J. Charles), LL.D., F.S.A. See Little
Guides, The Antiquary's Books, and Ancient
Cities.

COX (Harold), B.A. See Social Questions
Series.

Crabbe (George). See Little Library.

Craigie(W. A.). A PRIMER OF BURNS.
Crown Bva. ss. 6d.

Craik (Mrs.). See Little Library.

Crashaw (Richard). See Little Library.

Crawford (F. Q.). See Mary C. Danson.

Crouch (W.). BRYAN KING. With a
Portrait. Crown 8vo. js. 6d. net.

Cruikshank (O.) THE LOVING BAL-
LAD OF LORD BATEMAN. With u
Plates. Crown if»no. is. 6d. net.

From the edition published by C. Tilt,
1811.

Crump (B.). See A. L. Cleather.

Cunliffe (F. H. E.), Fellow of All Souls'
College, Oxford. THE HISTORY OF
THE BOER WAR. With many Illus-
trations, Plans, and Portraits. In 2 vols.
O-uarto. 15.?. each.

Cults (E. L.), D.D. See Leaders of Religion.

Daniell (G. W.)., M.A. See Leaders of
Religion.

Danson (Mary C.) and Crawford (F.
G.). FATHERS IN THE FAITH.
Small tvo is. 6d.

Dante. LA COMMEDIA DI DANTE.

The Italian Text edited by PAGET TOVNBEE,
M.A., D.Litt. Crown Zvo. 6s.

*THE PURGATORIO OF DANTE.

Translated into Spenserian Prose by C.

GORDON WRIGHT. With the Italian text.

Fcap. Bvo* as. f>d. net.

See also Paget Toynbee and Little Library.

Darlev (George). See Little Library.

* D'Arcy (R. F.), M.A. A NEW TRIGON-
OMETRY FOR BEGINNERS. Crown
6va. as. (>d.

Davenport (Cyril). See Connoisseur's
Libraryand Little Books on Art.

*Davi8 (H. W. C.), M.A., Fellow and Tutor
of Balliol College, Author of 'Charlemagne.'
ENGLAND UNDER THE NORMANS
AND ANGEVINS : 1066-1072. With
Maps and Illustrations. Demy 8vo. IO.T. 6d.
net.

Dawson (A. J.). MOROCCO. Being a
bundle of jottings, notes, impressions,
tales, and tributes. With many Illustra-
tions. Demy 8v0. IDS. 6d. net.

Deane(A.C.). See Little Library.

Delbos (Leon). THE METRIC SYSTEM.
Crown 8v0. 2S.

Demosthenes. THEOLYNTHIACS AND
PHILIPPICS. Translated upon a new
principle by OTHO HOLLAND Crown &vo.
2.5. dd.

Demosthenes. AGAINST CONON AND
CALLICLES. Edited with Notes and
Vocabulary, by F. DARWIN SWIFT, M.A.
Fcap. 8vo. as.

Dickens (Charles). See Little Library and
Illustrated Pocket Library.

Dickinson (Emily). POEMS. First Series.
Crown 8vo. 4^. 6d. net.

Dickinson (G. L.), M.A., Fellow of King's
College. Cambridge. THE GREEK
VIEW OF LIFE. Third Edition.
Crown 8v0. zs. 6d.

Dickson (H. N.), F.R.S.E., F.R.Met. Soc.
METEOROLOGY. Illustrated. Crown
&z>o. zs. 6d.

Dilke (Lady). See Social Questions Series.

Dillon (Edward). See Connoisseur's Library.

Ditchfleld(P. H.), M.A., F.S.A.

THE STORY OF OUR ENGLISH
TOWNS. V.'ith an Introduction by
AUGUSTUS JESSOPI', D.D. Second Edition.
Crown &vo. 6s.

OLD ENGLISH CUSTOMS: Extant at
the Present Time. Crown Zvo. 6s. See
also Methuen's Half-crown Library.

Dixon (W. M.), M.A. A PRIMER OF
TENNYSON. Second Edition. Crown
8v0. as. 6d.

ENGLISH POETRY FROM BLAKE TO
BROWNING. Second Edition. Crown
8v0. zs. 6d.

Dole (N. H.). FAMOUS COMPOSERS.
With Portraits. Two Volumes. Demy
Svo. 121. net.

«Don«y(May). SONGS OF THE REAL
Crown 8vo. M. 6d. net.
A volume of poems.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Douglas (James). THE MAX IN THE

PULPIT. Crown &va. is. 6d. net.

DOWden (J.), D.D., Lord Bishop of Edin-
burgh. See Churchman's Library.

Drage (O.) See Books on Business.

Driver (S. R.),D.D., D.C.L., Canon of Christ
Church, Regius Professor of Hebrew in the •
University of Oxford. SERMONS ON
SUBJECTS CONNECTED WITH THE ,
OLD TESTAMENT. Crown tvo. 6*. I
See also Westminster Commentaries.

Dryhurst (A. R.). See Little Books on Art.

DugUid (Charles). See Books on Business.

Duncan (S. J.) (Mrs. COTES), Author of ' A
Voyage of Consolation.' ONTHEOTHER
SIDE OF THE LATCH. Second Edition.
Crown two. 6s.

Dunn ( J. T.), D. Sc. , and Mundella (V. A.).
GENERAL ELEMENTARY SCIENCE.
With 114 Illustrations. Second Edition.
Crown 8vo. y. 6d.

Dunstan (A. E.), B.Sc. See Junior School
Books.

Durham (The Earl of). A REPORT ON

CANADA. With an Introductory Note.

Demy %vo. \i. 6<f. net.
Dutt (W. A.). A POPULAR GUIDE TO

NORFOLK. Medium Zvo. 6d. net.
THE NORFOLK BROADS. With

coloured and other Illustrations by FRANK

SOOTHGATE. Large Demy Zvo. 6s. See

also The Little Guides.
Earle(John), Bishop of Salisbury. MICRO-

COSMOGRAPHIE, OR A PIECE OF

THE WORLD DISCOVERED; IN

ESSAVES AND CHARACTERS. Pott l6mO.

Edmonds, (Major J. Z.), R.E. ; D.A.Q.-

M.G. See W. Birkbeck Wood.
Edwards (Clement). See Social Questions

Series.
Edwards (W. DOUglas). See Commercial

Series.

Egan (Pierce). Se« Illustrated Pocket
Library.

*Egerton(H. E.), M.A. A HISTORY OF
BRITISH COLONIAL POLICY. New
and Cheaper Issue. Demy Zvo. -js. (>d. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Ellaby (C. G.). See The Little Guides.

Ellerton(F. G.). See S. J. Stone.

Ellwood (Thomas), THE HISTORY OF
THE LIFE OF. Edited by C. G. CRUMP,
M.A. Crown &TO. 6s.

Engel (E.). A HISTORY OF ENGLISH
LITERATURE: From its Beginning to
Tennyson. Translated from the German.
Demy %vo. It- 6it. net.

'Erasmus. A Book called in Latin EN-
CHIRIDION MILITIS CHRISTIAN I,
and in English the Manual of the Christian
Knight, replenished with most wholesome
precepts, made by the famous clerk Erasmus
of Roterdame, to the which is added a n«w
and marvellous profitable preface.

From the edition printed by Wynken de
Worde for John Byddell, 1533. i-caf. 8t*>.
«. 6d. net.

Fairbrother (W. H.), M.A. THE PHILO-
SOPHY OF T. H. GREEN. Second
Edition. Crown 8fO. 31. 6d.

Fairer (Reginald). THE GARDEN OF

ASIA. Seeonti Edition. CrewMlvo. 61.

A Colonial Edition is also published.
Ferrier (Susan). See Little Library.
Fidler (T. Claxton), M.lnst. C.E. Se«

Books en Business..
Fielding (Henry). See Methu«n's Standard

Library.
Finn (S. W.), M.A. S«e Junior Examination

Firth (C. H.), M.A. CROMWELL'S
ARMY: A History of the English Soldier
during the Civil Wars, the Commonwealth,
and the Protectorate. Crmvn 8rc. ftr.

Fisher (G. W.), M.A. ANNALS OF
SHREWSBURYSCHOOL. With numer-
ous Illustrations. DetHv&'o. lot. 6d.

FitzOerald (Edward). THE RUBAIYAT

OF OMAR KHAYYAM. Printed Ir-m
the Fifth and last Edition. With a Com-
mentary by Mrs. STEPHKN BATSON, and a
Biography of Omar by E. D. Ross. Crown
St'o. 6s. See also Miniature Library.
Flecker (W. H.), M.A., D.C.L., Headmaster
of the Dean Close School. Cheltenham.
THE STUDENT'S PRAYER BOOK.

Part I. MoKNIKCi AND EVENING PRAYER

AND LITANY. With an Introduction and
Notes. Crmvn Svo. ?s. 6J.
FlUX (A. W.), M.A., William Dow Professor
of Political Economy in M'Gill University,
Montreal. ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES.
Demy Zvo. ^s. <*/. net.

Fortescue (Mrs. G.) See Little Books on
Art.

Fraser (David). A MODERN CAM-
PAIGN; OR, WAR AND WIRELESS
TELEGRAPHY IN THE FAR EAST.
Illustrated. Crmvn Svo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Fraser (J. F.). ROUND THE WORLD
ON A WHEEL. With 100 Illustrations.
Fourth Edition Crovm Zvo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

French (W.), M.A. See Textbooks of Tech-

Freudenreich (Ed. von). DAIRY BAC-
TERIOLUGY. A Short Manual for the
Use of Students. Translated by J. R.
ArsswoRTH DAVIS, M.A. Stcrnit Edition
Revised. Crown &'•*>. ys. 6d.

Fulford (H. W.), M.A. Se« Churchman's
Bible.

C. G., and F. C. G. JOHN r.n i;s AD-
VENTURES IN THK HSCAI, \
DERLAND. By CHARLES GEAKF.
46 Illustrations by F. CARRUTHERS GOULD.
Second Edition. Cravm&vo. is.net.

Callichan (W. M.). See The Little Guide*.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

Gambado (Geoffrey, Esq.). See illustrated

Pocket Library.

Gaskell (Mrs.). See Little Library.

Gasquet, the Right Rev. Abbot, O.S.B. See
Antiquary's Books.

George (H. B.), M.A., Fellow of New College,
Oxford. BATTLES OF ENGLISH HIS-
TORY. With numerous Plans. Fourth
Edition. Revised, with a new Chapter
including the South African War. Crown
Zvo. y. 6d.

A HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE
BRITISH EMPIRE. Crown 8vo.5s.6d.

Gibbins (H. de B.), Litt.D., M.A. IN-

DUSTRY IN ENGLAND : HISTORI-
CAL OUTLINES. With 5 Maps. Third
Edition. Demy 8vo. IDJ. 6d.

A COMPANION GERMAN GRAMMAR.
Crown Sv0. is. 6d.

THE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF
ENGLAND. Tenth Edition. Revised.
With Maps and Plans. Crown 8vo. y.

ENGLISH SOCIAL REFORMERS.
Second Edition. Crown &vo. zs.dd.
See also Commercial Series and Social
Questions Series.

Gibbon (Edward). THE DECLINE AND
FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.
A New Edition, edited with Notes, Appen-
dices, and Maps, by J. B. BURY, M.A.,
Litt.D., Regius Professor of Greek at Cam-
bridge. /« Seven Volumes. Demy 8vo.
Gilt top, 8s. dd. each. Also, Crown 8vo.
6s. each.

MEMOIRS OF MY LIFE AND WRIT-
INGS. Edited, with an Introduction and
Notes, by G. BIRKBECK HILL, LL.D.
Crown 8v0. 6s.
See also Methuen's Standard Library.

Gibson (E. C. &.), D.D., Lord Bishop of
Gloucester. See Westminster Commentaries,
Handbooks of Theology, and Oxford Bio-
graphies.

Giffort (A. R.). See Little Books on Art.

Godfrey (Elizabeth). A BOOK OF RE-
MEMBRANCE. Second Edition. Fcap.
8z'i7. 2s. 6d. net.

Godley (A. D.), M.A., Fellow of Magdalen
College, Oxford. LYRA FRIVOLA.
Third Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 2S. 6d.

VERSES TO ORDER. Second Edition.
Fcap. 8vo. 2t. dd.

SECOND STRINGS. Fcap. Zvo. as. 6d.

Goldsmith (Oliver). THE VICAR OF

WAKEFIELD. With 24 Coloured Plates
by T. ROWLANDSON. Royal 8vo. One
Guinea net.

Reprinted from the edition of 1817. Also
Fcap. ytMto. With 10 Plates in Photo-
gravure by Tony Johannot. Leather, vs. 6d.
net. See also Illustrated Pocket Library
and Methuen's Standard Library.

Goodrich-Freer (A.). IN A SYRIAN

SADDLE. Demy 8vo. ^s. 6d. net.
GOUdge (H. L.), M.A., Principal of Wells

Theological College. See Westminster Com-
mentaries.

Graham (P. Anderson). See Social Ques-

tions Series.
Granger (F. S.), M.A., Litt.D. PSYCH-

OLOGY. Second Edition. Crown 8vo.

is. 6d.
THE SOUL OF A CHRISTIAN. Crown

Gray(E.M'Queen). GERMAN PASSAGES
FOR UNSEEN TRANSLATION. Crown
8f o. vs. 6d.

Gray (P.L.), B.Sc. THE PRINCIPLES OK
MAGNETISM AND ELECTRICITY:
an Elementary Text-Book. With 181
Diagrams. Crown 8vo. $s. dd.

Green (G. Buckland), M.A., Assistant
Master at Edinburgh Academy, late Fellow
of St. John's College, Oxon. NOTES ON
GREEK AND LATIN SYNTAX. Crown
Svff. 3$. 6d.

Green (E. T.), M.A. See Churchman's
Library.

Greenidge (A. H. J.), M.A. A HISTORY
OF ROME: During the Later Republic
and the Early Principate. In Six Volumes.
Demy 8vo. Vol. I. (133-104 B.C.). ioi. (id.
net.

Greenwell (Dora). See Miniature Library.

Gregory (R. A) THE VAULT OF
HEAVEN. A Popular Introduction to
Astronomy. With numerous Illustrations.
Crown 8vo. 2j. dd.

Gregory (Miss E. C.). See Library of

Grevmel°Minor. A MODERN JOURNAL.

Edited by J. A. SPENDER. Crown 8vo.
3J1. 6d. net.

Grilling (C. H.). A HISTORY OF THE
GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY,
1845-95. With Illustrations. Revised, with
an additional chapter. Demy 8vo. los. 6d.

Grubb(H. C.). See Textbooks of Technology.

Guiney (Louisa I.). HURRELL

FROUDE : Memoranda and Comments.
Illustrated. Demy &z>e>. los. 6d. net.
*Gwynn (M. L.). A BIRTHDAY BOOK.
New and cheaper issue. Royal^vo. $s.nct.

Hackett (John), B.D. A HISTORY OF

THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF
CYPRUS. With Maps and Illustrations.
Demy 8vo. 155. net.

Haddon (A. C.), Sc.D., F.R.S. HEAD-
HUNTERS, BLACK, WHITE, AND
BROWN. With many Illustrations and a
Map. Demy &vo. i$s.

Hadfleld (R.A). See Social Questions

. N.) and Neal (w. G.). THE
ANCIENT RUINS OF RHODESIA.
With numerous Illustrations. Second
Edition, revised. Demy 8vt>. ios. 6d. net.
Hall (E. N.). GREAT ZIMBABWE.
With numerous Plans and Illustrations.
Royal Svo. zis. net.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Hamilton (F. J.). L>.D. Sec Byouuine
Texts.

Hammond (J. L.). CHARLES JAMKS

FOX : A Biographical Study. Demy 8vo.
i or. dtf.

Hannay (D.). A SHORT HISTORY OF
THE ROYAL NAVY, FROM EARLY
TIMES TO THK PRESENT DAY. Illustrated.
Two Volumes. Demy Svo. js. dd. each.
Vol. I. 1200-1688.

Hannay (James 0.), M.A. THE SPIRIT
AND ORIGIN OF CHRISTIAN
MONASTICISM. Crown Svo. 6s.

THE WISDOM OF THE DESERT. Crown
&V0. 3*. 6(/. net.

Hare, (A. T.), M.A. THE CONSTRUC-
TION OF LARGE INDUCTION COILS.
With numerous Diagrams. Demy Svo. 6s.

Harrison (Clifford). READING AND
READERS. Fcap. Svo. 2s. dd.

Hawthorne (Nathaniel). See Little

Library.

Heath (Frank R.). See The Little Guide*.

Heath (Dudley). See Connoisseur's Library.

Hello (Ernest). STUDIES IN SAINT-
SHIP. Translated from the French by
V. M. CRAWFORD. Fcap Svo. 31. dd.

'Henderson (B. W.), Fellow of Exeter

College, Oxford. THE LIFE AND
PRINCIPATE OF THE EMPEROR
NERO. With Illustrations. Ne-w and
cheaper issue. Demy Svo. js. dd. net.

Henderson (T. F.). See Little Library and
Oxford Biographies.

Henley (W. E.). See Metbuen's Half-Crown
Library.

Henley (W. E.) and Whibley (C.). See
Methuen's Half-Crown Library.

Henson ( H. H. ), B. D. , Canon ef Westminster.
APOSTOLICCHRISTIANITY: As Illus-
trated by the Epistles of St. Paul to the
Corinthian?. Crmvn Svo. 6s.

LIGHT AND LEAVEN : HISTORICAL AND
SOCIAL SERMONS. Crown Svo, 6s.

DISCIPLINE AND LAW. Fcap. Svo.

21. dd.

Herbert (George). See Library of Devotion.

Herbert of Cherbury (Lord). See Minia-
ture Library.

Hewins (W. A. 8.), B.A. ENGLISH
TRADE AND FINANCE IN THE
SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. Crown
Svo. is. dd.

*Hewitt (Ethel M.) A GOLDEN DIAL.

Fcap. Svo. -is. dJ. net.
Heywood (W.). PALIO AND PONTE :

A Book of Tuscan Games. Illustrated.

Royal STJO. 21* net.
Hilbert (T.). See Little Blue Books.
Hill (Clare). See Textbooks of Technology.
Hill (Henry), B.A., Headmaster of the Boy's

High School, Worcester. Cape Colony. A

SOUTH AFRICAN ARITHMETIC.

Crmvn Svo. 3*. 6 if.

Hilleeaa (Howard C.). WiTir THE

A

BOER FORCES. With 14 Illustrations.
Second Edition. Crown Sro. 6s.
\ Colonial Edition is also published.

Hobhouse (Emily). THE BRUNT OF

THE WAR. With Map and Illustrations.

Crown 8vo. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.
Hobhouse (L. T.), Fellow of C.C.C., Oxford

THE THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE.

Demy Svo. 101. 6d. net.
HobsonJJ. A.), M.A. INTERNATIONAL

TRADE : A Study of Economic Principles.

Crown Svo. M. dd. net. See also Social

Questions Series.
Hodgkin (T.), D.C.L. See Leaders of

Religion.
Hodgson (Mrs. A. W.). HOW TO

IDENTIFY OLD CHINESE PORCE-
LAIN. Post Svo. 6s.
Hogg (Thomas Jefferson). SHELLRY

AT OXFORD. With an Introduction l.y

R. A. STKEATKEILD. Fcaf. tvo. is. net.

Holden-Stone (G. de). See Books on

Business.

Holdich (Sir T. H.). K.C.I.E. THE
INDIAN BORDERLAND: b«ing a
Personal Record of Twenty Years. Illus-
trated. DemvZvo. ios.6d.net.

Holdsworth (W. S.), M.A. A HISTORY
OF ENGLISH LAW. In Two Volumes.
Vol. I. Demy Svo. ios. dd. net.

•Holt (Emily). THE SECRET OF POPU-
LARITY. Crown Svo. $s. 6d. net.
A. Colonial Edition is also published.

Holy pake (G. J.). See Social Questions
Series.

Hone ( Nathaniel J. ). Sec Antiquary's Books.

Hoppner. See Little Galleries.

Horace. See Classical Translations.

Horsburgh (E. L. S.). M.A. WATERLOO :
A Narrative and Criticism. With Plan.-.
Second Edition. Crown Svo. 5^. Scealso
Oxford Biographies.

Horth (A.C.). Se« Textbooks of Technology.

Horton (R. F.), D.D. See Leaders of
Religion.

Hosie (Alexander). MANCHURIA.
With Illustrations and a Map. Second
Edition. Demy Svo. js. 6d. net.
A Colonial Edition is aUo published.

HOW (F. D.). SIX GREAT SCHOOL-
MASTERS. With Portraits and Illuiti.i-
tions. Second Edition. Detny Svo. ^s. bd.

Howell(G.). See Social Questions Sr:

Hudson (Robert). MEMORIALS OF A
WARWICKSHIRE VILLAGE. With
many Illustrations. Demy Svo. \y.tul.

Hughes (C. E.). THE PRAISE OF
SHAKESPEARE. An English Anthol-
oRy. With a Preface by SIUNKY Li-K.
Demy Svo. 3*. 6d. net.

Hughes (Thomas). TOM BROWM'S
SCHOOLDAYS. With :m [ntroduiuoa
and Notes by YKKNON KENDALL. Lca.ktr.
iih zs- (>'!. net.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

Hutchinson (Horace G.K THE NEW

FOREST. Illustrated in colour with
50 Pictures by WALTER TVNDALE and 4
by Miss LUCY KEMP WELCH. Large
Demy Svo. zis. net.
Hutton (A. W.), M.A. See Leaders of

Hutto'iMEdward), THE CITIES OF
UMBRIA. With many Illustrations, of
which 20 are in Colour, by A. PISA. Crown

•ENGLISH LOVE POEMS. Edited with

an Introduction. Fcap. &vo. 3^. 6d. net.
Hutton (R. H.). See Leaders of Religion.
Button (W. H.). M.A. THE LIFE OF

SIR THOMAS MORE. With Portraits.

Second Edition. Crown Svo. $s. See also

Leaders of Religion.
Hyett (F. A.). A SHORT HISTORY OF

FLORENCE. Demy Bra. 75. 6d. net.

Ibsen (Henrik). BRAND. A Drama.

Translated by WILLIAM WILSON. Third
Edition. Crown Svo. $s. 6d.
Inge (W. R.), M.A., Fellow and Tutor of
Hertford College, Oxford. CHRISTIAN
MYSTICISM. The Bampton Lectures for
1809. Demy Si'fl. iis. 6d. net. See also
Library of Devotion.

innes (A. D.), M.A. A HISTORY OF THE

BRITISH IN INDIA. With Maps and

Plans. Crown Svo. 6s.
•ENGLAND UNDER THE TUDORS.

With Maps. Demy %vo. los. 6d. net.
VackBOn (0. E.), B.A., Science Master at

Bradford Grammar School. EXAMPLES

IN PHYSICS. Crown Svo. zs. 6d.
Jackson (S.), M.A. See Commercial Series.

Jackson (F. Hamilton). See The Little

Guides.

Jacob (F.), M.A. See Junior Examination
Series.

Jeans (J. Stephen). See Social Qu«stions
Series and Business Books.

Jeffreys (D.Gwyn). DOLLY'S THEATRI-
CALS. Described and Illustrated with 24
Coloured Pictures. Super Royal i6mo. -zs.dd.

JenkS (E.), M.A., Reader of Law in the
University of Oxford. ENGLISH LOCAL
GOVERNMENT. Crmvn Svo. is. 6d.

.Tenner (Mrs.H.). See Little Books on Art.

JeSSOpp (AugUStUS), D.D. See Leaders of
Religion.

Jevons (F. B.), M.A., Litt.D., Principal of
Hatfield Hall, Durham. See Churchman's
Library and Handbooks of Theology.

Johnson (Mrs. Barbara). WILLIAM BOD-

HAM DONNE AND HIS FRIENDS.

With Illustrations. Demy Svo. ios.6d.nct.
Jobnston (Sir H. H.). K.C.B. BRITISH

CENTRAL AFRICA. With nearly 200

II lustrations and Six Maps. Second Edition.

Crown ito. iSs. net.-
* Jones fE. Crompton). POEMS OF THE

IXNER LIFE. Selected by. Eleventh

Edition. 2-eaf. Zvo. zs. 6</. net.

Jones (H.). See Commercial Scries.

Jones (L. A. Atberley), K.C., M.P., and
BellOt (Hugb H. L.). THE MINERS-
GUIDE TO THE COAL MINES'
REGULATION ACTS. Crown Svo.
zs. 6d. net.

Jonson (Ben). See Methuen's Standard
Library.

Julian (Lady) of Norwich. REVELA-
TIONS OF DIVINE LOVE. Edited by
GRACE WAKRACK. Croiun Svo. 3.5. 6d.

Juvenal. See Classical Translations.

Kaufinanil (M. ). See Social Questions Series.

Keating (J. F.), D.D. THE AGAPE
AND THE EUCHARIST. Crown Svo.
3s. 6d.

Keats (Jobn). THE POEMS OF. Edited

with Introduction and Notes by E. de Selm-
court, M.A. Demy Svo. ys. 6d. net. See
also Little Library and Methuen's Universal
Library.

Kebie (Jobn). THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.

With an Introduction and Notes by W. LOCK,
D.D., Warden of Keble College. Illustrated
by R. ANNING BELL. Third Edit ion. Fcaf>.
Svo. 3*. 6d. ; padded morocco, 51. See also
Library of Devotion.

Kempis (Thomas A). THE IMITATION
OF CHRIST. With an Introduction by
DEAN FARRAR. Illustrated by C. M. GERE.
Third Edition. f cap. Svo. 3$. 6d. ; padded
morocco, 5$. See also Library of Devotion
and Methuen's Standard Library.

Also Translated by C. BIGG, D.D. Crown
Svo. 31. 6d.

-Kennedy (Bart.). THE GREEN
SPHINX. Crown Svo. 3s. 6d. net.

Kennedy (James Houghton), D.D., Assist-

ant Lecturer in Divinity in the University of
Dublin. ST. PAUL'S SECOND AND
THIRD EPISTLES TO THE CORIN-
THIANS. With Introduction, Dissertations
and Notes. Croivn Svo. 6s.

Kestell (J. D.). THROUGH SHOT AND
FLAME : Being the Adventures and Ex-
periences of J. D. KESTELL, Chaplain to
General Christian de Wet. Crozvn Svo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Kimmins (C. W.), M.A. THE CHEMIS-
TRY OF LIFE AND HEALTH. Illu*.
trated. Crown Svo. 2S. (>d.

Kinglake (A. W.). See Little Library.

Kipling (Rudyard). BARRACK-ROOM

BALLADS. T^fii Thousand. Crown Bvo.
Twenty-first Edition. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.
THE SEVEN SEAS, tend Thousand. Tenth
Edition. Crmvn 8z/<?j gilt top, ds.

A Colonial Edition is also published.
THE FIVE NATIONS. 41^ Thousand.
Second Edition. Croivn Svo. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published
DEPARTMENTAL DITTIES. Sixteenth
Edition. Crown Svo. Buckram. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

GENERAL LITERATURE

ii

Knowling (E. J.), M.A., Professor of New
Testament Exegesis at King's College,
London. See Westminster Commentaries.

Lainb (Charles and Mary), THE WORKS
OK. Edited by K. V. LUCAS. With
Numerous Illustrations. In Seven Volumes.
Demy Sz'o. -is. 6d. each.

THE LIFE OK. See E. V. Lucas.

THE ESSAYS OF ELI A. With over 100
Illustrations by A. GARTH JONES, and an
Introduction by E. V. LUCAS. Denty &z>t>.
loi. 6J.

THE KING AND QUEEN OF HEARTS :
An 1805 Book for Children. Illustrated by
WILLIAM MUI.READY. A new edition, in
facsimile, edited by E. V. LUCAS, is. f>d.
See also Little Library.

Lambert <F. A. H.X See The Little Guides.

LambrOS (Professor). See Byzantine Texts.

Lane-Poole (Stanley). A HISTORY OK
EGYPT IN THE MIDDLE AGES. Fully
Illustrated. Crtnvn Zvo. 6s.

Langbridge(F.)M.A. BALLADS OF THE

BRAVE: Poems of Chivalry, Enterprise,
Courage, and Constancy. Secotid Edition.
Crown Svo. aj. 6rf.

Law (William). See Library of Devotion.

Leach (Henry). THE DUKE OF DEVON-
SHIRE. A Biography. With 12 Illustra-
tions. DcmySvo. 12s. 6<t. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Lee (Captain L. Melville). A HISTORY
OK POLICE IN ENGLAND. CrewnZvo.
3-r. 6<i. net.

Leigh (Percival). THE COMIC ENGLISH

GRAMMAR. Embellished with upwards
of 50 characteristic Illustrations by JOHN
LEECH. Post i6»ia. vs. 6</. net.

Lewes (V.B.), M.A. AIR AND WATER.
Illustrated. Crown Svo. ?s. dd.

Lisle (Fortune'e de). See Little Bookson Art.

Littlehales (H.). See Antiquary's Books.

Lock (Walter), D.D., Warden of Keble
College. ST. PAUL, THE MASTER-
BUILDER. Second Edition. Crown Svo.
V. (>d.

•THE BIBLE AND CHRISTIAN LIKE:
BEING ADDRESSES AND SERMONS. Crown
8ve. 6s.

See also Leaders of Religion and Library
of Devotion.

Locke (John). See Methuen's Standard
Library.

LOCker(F.). See Little Library.

LongfellOW (H. W.) See Little Library.

Lorimer (3eorge Horace). LETTERS
FROM A SELF-MADE MERCHANT
TO HIS SON. Thirteenth Edition. Cxrwn
8ro. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

OLD GORGON GRAHAM. Second Edition.
Crown 8t'0. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also publisned.

Lover (Samuel). See Illustrated Pocket
Library.

E. V. L. and C. L. G. ENGLAND DAY BY
DAY : Or, The Englishman's Handbook to
Efficiency. Illustrated by GEORGE MORROW.
Fourth Edition. Fcafi. +to. M. net.
A burlesque Year- Book and Almanac.

*Lucas(E. V.). THE LIKE OK CHARLES
LAMB. With numerous Portraits and
Illustrations. Two I 'oh. Demy^vo, sis.

•A WANDERER IN HOLLAND. With
many Illustrations, of which 20 are in Colour
by HERBERT MARSHALL. Crown Sve. 6t.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Lucian. See Classical Translations.

Lyde (L. W.), M.A. See Commercial Series.

Lydon (Noel S.). See Junior School Book.-.

Lyttelton (Hon. Mrs. A.). WOMEN AND

THEIR WORK. CrmvM 8ra. is. M.

M. M. HOW TO DRESS AN I) WHAT TO
WEAR. Crown Zvc. js. net.

Macaulay(Lord). CRITICAL AND HIS-
TORICAL ESSAYS. Edited by K. C. MON-
TAGUE, M.A. Three I'olumes. Crov'nSt-o.
i&r.

The only edition of this book completely
annotated.

M'AUen (J. E. B.), M.A. See Commercial
Series.

MacCullOCh (J. A.). See Churchman's
Library.

*MacCunn (Florence). MARY STUART.
With over 60 Illustrations, including a
Krontispiece in Photogravure. Demy 6vi>.
ioj. 'id. net.

A Colonial Edition is also published. i;ee
also Leaders of Religion.

McDermOtt (E. R.). See P.ook.s on Business.

H'Dowall (A. B.). See Oxford Biographies.

Macl;ay(A, M.). See Churchman's Libraiy.

Magnus (Laurie), M.A. A PRIMER OK

WORDSWORTH. Crown Zvo. n. 6V/.

Mahafly (J. P.), Litt.D. A HISTORY OF
THE EGYPT OK THE PTOLEMIE.v
Fully Illustrated. CrtnvuSra. 6s.

Maitland(F. W.). LL.D., Downing Professor
of the Laws of England in the Univei
Cambridge. CANON LAW IN I
LAND. Royal^vo. ^s. (>d.

Maiden (H. E.), M.A. ENGLISH RE-
CORDS. A Companion to the History of
England. Crown 8?'o. v- 6</.

THK ENGLISH CITIZEN : HIS RIGHTS
AND DUTIES. Crow* Sro. is. 6V/.

•A SCHOOL HISTORY OK SURREY.
With many Illustrations. Crmvn 8t'o.
\s. 6,/.

Marchant (E. C.), M.A.. Kellow of Peter-
house, Cambridge. A GREEK ANTHO-
LOGY. Second Edition. CronmZva. }t.6d.

Marchant (C. Et. M.A., and Cook (A. M.>,
M.A. PASSAGES KOR UNSEEN
TRANSLATION. Second Edition. Crtnvn
8 re. v. fid.

Marlowe (Christopher). See Methuen'*
Standard Library.

12

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

MaiT(J. E.), F.R.S., Fellow of St John's Col-
lege, Cambridge. THE SCIENTIFIC
STUDY OF SCENERY. Second Edition.
Illustrated. Crown 8?'<7. 6s.

AGRICULTURAL GEOLOGY. With num-
erous Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 6s.

MarvelK Andrew). See Little Library.

*Masefield (J. E.) SEA LIFE IN NEL-
SON'S TIME. With many Illustrations.
Crown 8v0. 31. 6d. net.

Maskell (A.) See Connoisseur's Library.

Mason( A. J.), D. D. See Leaders of Religion.

Massee (George). THE EVOLUTION OF
PLANT LIFE : Lower Forms. With Illus-
trations. Crown &vo. 2S. 6d.

Masterman(C. F. G.),M.A. TENNYSON
AS A RELIGIOUS TEACHER. Crown

*Matheson (Hon. E. F.). COUNSELS OF
LIFE. Fcap. %vo. is. 6d. net.

A volume of Selections in Prose and

Verse.

May (Phil). THE PHIL MAY ALBUM.
Second Edition. $to. is. net.

Mellows (Einma S.). A SHORT STORY
OF ENGLISH LITERATURE. Crown
8vo. $s. 6d.

*Methuen (A. M. S.). THE TRAGEDY

OF SOUTH AFRICA. Cr. 8vo. zs. net.

A revised and enlarged edition of the

author's ' Peace or War in South

ENGLAND'S RUIN : DISCUSSED IN Six-
TEEN LETTERS TO THE RIGHT HON.
JOSBPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P. Crown %vo.

Michell (E. B). THE ART AND PRAC-
TICE OF HAWKING. With 3 Photo-
gravures by G. E. LODGE, and other Illus-
trations. Demy 8vo. IDS. 6d.

*Miiiais (J. G.). THE LIFE AND LET-
TERS OF SIR JOHN EVERETT
MILLAIS, Presidentof the Royal Academy.
With many Illustrations, of which 2 are in
Photogravure. New Edition. Demy 8vo.
js. (id. net.

Millais (Sir John Everett). See Little

MUll8.(C. T.), M.I.M.E. See Textbooks of
Technology.

Milne (J. G.), M.A. A HISTORY OF
ROMAN EGYPT. Fully Illustrated.
Crtnvn Sr'o. 6s.

*Milton, John, THE POEMS OF, BOTH
ENGLISH AND LATIN, Compos'd at
several times. Printed by his true Copies.

The Songs were set in Musick by Mr.
HENRY LAWES, Gentleman of the Kings
Chappel, and one of His Majesties Private
Musick.

Printed and publish" d according to Order.
Printed by RUTH RAWORTH for HUM-
PHREY MOSKLEY, and are to be sold at the
signe of the Princes Armes in Pauls Church-
yard, 164;,.

•»A MILTON DAY BOOK. Edited by R.
F. TOWNDKOW. Fcap. &7J0. vs. 6d. net.

See also Little Library and Methuen s
Standard Library.

MitchelKP. Chalmers), M.A. OUTLINES
OF BIOLOGY. Illustrated. Second Edi-
tion. Crown &vo. 6s.

»Mitton (G. E.). JANE AUSTEN AND
HER ENGLAND. With many Portraits
and Illustrations. Demy Bz'O. JOT. 6d. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

'Moil (A-)-' See Books on Business.

Moir (D. M.). See Little Library.

*Money (L. G. Chiozza). WEALTH AND

POVERTY. Demy %vo. jj. net.
Moore (H. E.). See Social Questions Series.

Moran (Clarence GO- See Books on

Business.
More (Sir Thomas). See Methuen's Standard

Library.
Morflll (W. B.), Oriel College, Oxford. A

HISTORY OF RUSSIA FROM PETER

THE GREAT TO ALEXANDER II.

With Maps and Plans. Crown Z^o. 3^. fid.
Morich(E. J.), late of Clifton College. See

School Examination Series.
*Morris (J.) THE MAKERS OF JAPAN.

With many portraits and Illustrations.

Demy 8vo. us. 6d. net.

A Colonial Edition is also published.
Morris (J. E.). See The Linle Guides.

Morton (Miss Anderson). See Miss Brod

rick.

MOUle (H. C. G.), D.D., Lord Bishop of Dur-
ham. See Leaders of Religion.

Muir (M. M. Pattison), M.A. THE

CHEMISTRY OF FIRE. The Elementary

Principles of Chemistry. Illustrated. Crown

8v0. zs. fid.

Mundella (V. A.), M. A. See J. T. Dunn.
Muaro (R.), LL. D. See Antiquary's Books.
Naval Officer (A). See Illustrated Pocket

Library.

Neal (W. G.). See R. N. Hall.
Newman (J. H.) and Others. See Library

of Devotion.

NichOlS (J. B. B.). See Little Library.
NiCklin (T.), M.A. EXAMINATION

PAPERS IN THUCYDIDES. Crown

See Illustrated Pocket Library.

Northcote (James), R.A. THE CONVER.
SATIONS OF JAMES NORTHCOTE,
R.A., AND JAMES WARD. Edited by
ERNEST FLETCHER. With many Portraits.
Demy &vo. los. 6d.

*NorWay(A. H.), Author of 'Highways and
Bywaysin Devon and Cornwall.' NAPLES.
With 25 Coloured Illustrations by MAURICE
GREIFFENHAGEN. A New Edition, Crown

Novaiis/THE DISCIPLES AT SAlS AND
OTHER FRAGMENTS. Edited by Mi.ss
UNA BIRCH. Fcap *&vo. 3^. fid.

Oliphant (Mrs.). See Leaders of Religion.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Oman (C. W. C.), M. A., Fellow of All Souls',
Oxford. A HISTORY OF THE ART OF1
WAR. Vol. ii.: The Middle Ages, from
the Fourth to the Fourteenth Century. Illus-
trated. Demy SPP. IDJ. 6d. net.

Ottley (R. L.), D.D. See Handbooks of
Theology "and Leaders of Religion.

Owen (Douglas). See Books on Business.

Oxford (M.N.),ofGuy's Hospital. A HAND-
BOOK OF NURSING. Second Edition.
Crnvn Zvo. js. dd.

Pakes (W. C. C.). THE SCIENCE OF j
HYGIENE. With numerous Illustrations. '.
DemyZvo. i$s.

Palmer (Frederick). WITH KUROKI IN

.MANCHURIA. With many Illustrations, j
Third Edition. Demy Hvo. -js. f>d. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Parker (Gilbert). A LOVER'S DIARY : i
SONGS IN SEQUENCE. Fcap. *vo. 5s. \

Parkinson (John). PARADISI IN SOLE |

PARADISUS TERRISTRIS, OR A
GARDEN OF ALL SORTS OF PLEA- I
SANT FLOWERS. Folio. £4, 4s. net. i

Parmenter(John). HELIO-TROPES, OR I
NEW POSIES FOR SUNDIALS, 1625. :
Edited by PERCIVAL LANDON. Quarto. '•
js. 6d. nft.

Parmentier (Prof. Leon). See Byzantine

Texts.

Pascal. See Library of Devotion.
•Paston (George). SOCIAL CARICA- I

TURES OF THE EIGHTEENTH j

CENTURY. Imperial Quarto. £2, its. 6d.

net. See also Little Books on Art and Illus- '

trated Pocket Library.
Paterson(W.R.)(Benjamin Swift). LIFE'S

QUESTIONINGS. Crewn Zvo. 3.?. 6<f.

net.

Patterson (A. H.). NOTES OF AN EAST

COAST NATURALIST. Illustrated in
Colour by F. SOUTHGATE. Second Edition.
Crown 8vo. 6s.

*NATURE NOTES IN EASTERN NOR-
FOLK. A series of observations on the '
Birds, Fishes, Mammals, Reptiles, and
stalk-eyed Crustaceans found in that neigh-
bourhood, with a list of the species. With ;
12 Illustrations in colour, by FRANK |

SOCTHGATE. CrOU»l %VO. 6s.

PeaCOCk (N.). See Little Books on Art.

Pearce (E. H.). M.A. ANNALS OF;
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL. With many Illus-
trations. Demy &z>o. js. 6d.

Peel (Sidney), late Fellow of Trinity College, !
Oxford, and Secretary to the Royal Com- I
mission on the Licensing Laws. PRACTI-
CAL LICENSING REFORM. Second
' Edition. Crtm'n 8vo. is. 6d.

Peters (J. P.), D.D. See Churchman's ,
Library.

Pe trie (W.M. Flinders), D.C.L., LL.D. Pro- I

fessor of Egyptology at University College.
A HISTORY OF EGYPT, FROM TH!
EARLIEST TIMES TO THK PRESENT DAY.

Fully Illustrated. In sir volumes. Crram

%vo. 6s. tack.
VOL. i. PREHISTORIC TIMES TO XVI™

DYNASTY. Fifth Edition.
VOL. ii. THE XVIlTH AND XVIIlTH

DYNASTIES. Fourth Edition.
•VOL. in. XIXrH TO XXXTH DYNASTIES.
VOL. iv. THE EGYPT OF THE PTOLEMIES.

J. P. MAHAFFY, Litt.D.
VOL. v. ROMAN EGYPT. J. G. MILNE, M.A.
VOL. vi. EGYPT IN THE MIDDLE AGES.

STANLEY LANR-POOLK, M.A.
RELIGION AND CONSCIENCE IN-
ANCIENT EGYPT. Fully Illustrated.

Crown 8r<». ys. f>d.
SYRIA AND EGYPT. FROM THE TELL

EL AMARNA TABLETS. Crown 8rv.

EGYPTIAN TALES. Illustrated by TRIS-
TRAM ELLIS. In Two Volumes. Crown Zvo.
31. 6d. each.

EGYPTIAN DECORATIVE ART. With
120 Illustrations. Crmvn 8vo. 3*. 6d.

Phillips (W. A.). See Oxford Biographies.

Phillpotts (Eden). MY DEVON YEAR.
With 38 Illustrations by J. LEY PETHY-
BRIDGE. Second and Cheaper F.dition.
Large Crown Zvo. 6s.

*UP ALONG AND DOWN ALONG.
Illustrated by CLAUDE SHEPPERSON.
Crown &vo. 5.?. net.
A volume of poems.

Pienaar (Philip). WITH STEYN AND

DE WET. Second Edition. Crown Zvo.
y. 6d.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

*Plarr (Victor) and Walton (F. W.). A
SCHOOL HISTORY OF MIDDLE-
SEX. With many Illustrations. Crov-n
&w>. is. 6d.

Plautns. THE CAPTIVI. Edited, with
an Introduction, Textual Notes, and a Com-
mentary, by W. M. LINDSAY, Fellow of
Jesus College, Oxford. Demy 8r«». ioj. 6tf.
net.

Plowden-Wardlaw (J. T), B.A., King's
College, Cambridge. See School Examina-
tion Series.

Pocock (Roger). A FRONTIERSMAN.
Third Edition. Crown too. 6s.
A Colonial Edif ion i* also published.

°odmore (Frank). MODERN SPIRI-
TUALISM. Two I'olvmes. Dttny Zvo.
2i.r. net.
A History and n Criticism.

Poer (J. Patrick Le). A MODERN

LEGIONARY* Crown Zvo. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.
Pollard (Alice). See Little Books on Art.
Pollard (A. W.). OLD PICTURE BOOKS.

With many Illustrations. Dtmylv*. Tt.6d.

Pollard (Eliza F.). See Little Book* on Art.
Pollock (David), M.I.N.A. Ste Books on
Business.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

*Pcnd (C. F.) A MONTAIGNE DAY-
BOOK. Edited by. Fcaf.too. as.6d.net.

Potter (M. C.), M.A., F.L.S. A TEXT-
BOOK OF AGRICULTURAL BOTANY.
Illustrated. Second Edition, Crown too.
4*. 6d.

Potter Boy (An Old). WHEN I WAS A

CHILD. Crown too. 6s.
Pradeau (G.). A KEY TO THE TIME
ALLUSIONS IN THE DIVINE
COMEDY. With a Dial. Smallguarto.
y. 6d.

Prance (G.). See R. Wyon.

PreSGOtt (0. L.). ABOUT MUSIC, AND
WHAT IT IS MADE OF. Crown too.
3$. 6d. net.

Price (L. L.), M. A., Fellow Of Oriel College,
Oxon. A HISTORY OF ENGLISH
POLITICAL ECONOMY. Fourth Edi-
tion. Crown too. zs. 6d.

Primrose (Deborah). A MODERN
BCEOTIA. Crown too. 6s.

Pugin and Rowlandson. THE MICRO-
COSM OF LONDON, OR LONDON IN
MINIATURE. With 104 Illustrations in
colour. In Three Volumes. Small tfo.
£3, 35 . net.

' Q ' (A. T. Quiller Couch). See Methuen's
Half-Crown Library.

QuevedO Villegas. See Miniature Library.

G.R.andE.S. THE WOOD HOUSE COR-
RESPONDENCE. Crown too. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

RaCkham (R. B.), M.A. See Westminster
Commentaries.

Randolph (B. W.), D.D. See Library of
Devotion.

Rannie (D. W.), M.A. A STUDENT'S
HISTORY OF SCOTLAND. Cr. too.
V- 6rf-

Rashdall (Hastings), M.A., Fellow and

Tutor of New College, Oxford. DOC-
TRINE AND DEVELOPMENT. Crown
too. 6s.

Rawstorne (Lawrence, Esq.). See Illus-
trated Pocket Library.

A Real Paddy. See Illustrated Pocket
Library.

Reason (W.), M.A. See Social Questions
Series.

Redfern (W. B.), Author of ' Ancient Wood
and Iron Work in Cambridge,' etc.
ROYAL AND HISTORIC GLOVES
AND ANCIENT SHOES. Profusely
Illustrated in colour and half-tone. Quarto,
£2, 2S. net.

Reynolds. See Little Galleries.

Roberts (M. E.). See C. C. Channer.

Robertson, (A.), D.D., Lord Bishop of
Exeter. REGNUM DEI. The Bampton
Lectures of IQOI. Demy too. i2S.6ff.net.

Robertson (C. Grant), M.A., Fellow of All

Souls' College, Oxford, Examiner in the
Honours School of Modern History, Oxford,
1901-1904. SELECT STATUTES, CASES,

AND CONSTITUTIONAL DOCIT-
MENTS, 1660-1832. Demy too. las. 6d.
net.

"Robertson (C. Grant) and Bartholomew

(J. G.), F.R.S.E., F.R.G.S. THE
STUDENT'S HISTORICAL (ATLAS
OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. Quarto
3*. 6d. net.
Robertson (Sir G. S.) K.C.S.I. See

Methuen's Half-Crown Library.
Robinson (A. W.), M.A. See Churchman's
Bible.

Robinson (Cecilia). THE MINISTRY
OF DEACONESSES. With an Introduc
tion by the late Archbishop of Canterbury.
Crown too. 3.?. 6d.

Robinson (F. S.) See Connoisseur's Library.

Rochefoucauld (La). See Little Library.

Rodwell (G.), B.A. NEW TESTAMENT
GREEK. A Course for Beginners. With
a Preface by WALTER LOCK, D.D., Warden
of Keble College. Fcap. too. 3*. 6d.

Roe (Fred). ANCIENT COFFERS AND
CUPBOARDS: Their History and De-
scription. With many Illustrations. Quarto.
£3, 35. net.

*OLD OAK FURNITURE. With many
Illustrations by the Author, including a
frontispiece in colour. Demy too. ios.f>d.
net.

Rogers (A. G. L.), M.A. See Books on
Business.

*Romney. A GALLERY OF ROMNEY.

By ARTHUR B. CHAMBERLAIN. With 66

Plates in Photogravure. Imperial Quarto.

£3, 3s. net. See Little Galleries.
Roscoe (E. S.). ROBERT HARLEY,

EARL OF OXFORD. Illustrated. Demy

too. 7-c. 6d.

This is the only life of Harley in existence.
See also The Little Guides.
Rose (Edward). THE ROSE READER.

With numerous Illustrations. Crown too.

2S. 6d. Also in 4 Parts. Parts I . and II.

6d. each ; Part III. 8d. ; Part IV. lod.

Rowntree (Joshua). THE IMPERIAL

DRUG TRADE. Crown too. $s. net.
Rubie (A. E.), D.D. See Junior School
Books.

Russell (W. Clark). THE LIFE OF

ADMIRAL LORD COLLINGWOOD.

With Illustrations by F. BRANGWYN.

Fourth Edition. Crown too. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.
St. Anselm. See Library of Devotion.
St. AUgUStine. See Library of Devotion.
St. Cyres .(ViSCOUnt). See Oxford Bio-

REGINALD. Second

Edition. Fcap. top. as. 6d. net.
Sal£3 (St. FranCiS de). See Library of

Devotion.
Salmon (A. L.). A POPULAR GUIDE

TO DEVON. Medium too. 6d. net. See

also The Little Guides.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Sargeaunt (J.), M.A. ANNALS OF
WESTMINSTER SCHOOL. With
numerous Illustrations. Demy &vo. -js. 6d.

Sathas (C.). See Byzantine Texts.

Schmitt (John). See Byzantine Texts.

Scott, (A. M.). WINSTON SPENCER
CHURCHILL. With Portraits and Illus-
trations. Crown &v0. 3.1. kd.

Seeley(H.G.)F.R.S. DRAGONS OF THE
AIR. With many Illustrations. Cr. Svo. 6s.

Sells (V. P.), M.A. THE MECHANICS
OF DAILY LIFE. Illustrated. Cr. Svo.

2S. 6J.

Selous (Edmund). TOMMY SMITH'S

ANIMALS. Illustrated by G. W. ORD.

Third Edition. Fcap. Zvo. zs. 6d.
Settle (J. H.). ANECDOTES OF

SOLDIERS, in Peace and War. Crown

Zvo. 3^ . 6fi. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Shakespeare (William).

THE FOUR FOLIOS, 1623 ; 1632 ; 1664 ;
1685. Each Four Guineas net, or a com-
plete set, Twelve Guineas net.

The Arden Shakespeare.

Demy Sva. 2s. 6d. net each volume.
General Editor, W. J. CRAIG. An Edition
of Shakespeare in single Plays. Edited
with a full Introduction, Textual Notes,
and a Commentary at the foot of the page.

HAMLET. Edited by EDWARD DOWDEN,
Litt.D.

ROMEO AND JULIET. Edited by EDWARD
DOWDEN, Litt.D.

KING LEAR. Edited by W. J. CRAIG.

JULIUS CAESAR. Edited by M. MAC-

MII.LAN', M.A.

THE TKMPEST. Edited by MORETO.N

LTCE.

OTHELLO. Edited by H. C. HART.
TITUS ANDRONICUS. Edited by H. B.

BAILDON.

CYMBEL1NE. Edited by EDWARD DOWDEN.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.

Edited by H. C. HART.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.

Edited by H. CUNINGHAM.
KING HENRY V. Edited by H. A. EVANS.
ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

Edited by W. O. BRIGSTOCKB.
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.

Edited by R. WARWICK BOND.
TIMON OF ATHENS. Edited by K.

DKIGHTON.
•MEASURE FOR MEASURE. Edited by

H. C. HART.
TWELFTH NIGHT. Edited by MORBTON

LUCE.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. Edited

by C. KNOX POOLER.
The Little Quarto Shakespeare. Edited

by W. J. CRAIG. With Introductions and

Notes. Pott \6mci. fit 40 Volumes.

Leather, price is. net each volume.
See also Methuen's Standard Library.

Sharp (A.). VICTORIAN POETS. Cr<m<*
8zw. 2s. fid.

Sharp (Mrs. E. A.). See Little Books on
Art.

Shedlock (J. 8.). THE PIANOFORTK
SONATA : Its Origin and Development.
Crown Zvo. $s.

Shelley (Percy B.). ADONAIS ; an Elegy
on the death of John Keats, Author of
' Endymion,' etc. Pisa. From the types of
Didot, 1821. 2s. net.
See also Methuen's Standard Library.

Sherwell (Arthur), M.A. See Social Ques-
tions Series.

Shipley (Mary E.X AN ENGLISH
CHURCH HISTORY FOR CHILD-
REN. With a Preface by the Bishop of
Gibraltar. With Maps and Illustrations.
Part I. Crown &vo. ys. M. net.

Sichel (Walter). DISRAELI : A Study

in Personality and Ideas. With 3 Portraits.
Demy &vo. 125. 6d. net.
A Colonial Edit7 on is also published.
See also Oxford biographies.
Sime (J.). See Litt.e Books on Art.
I Simonson (0. A.). FRANCESCO
GUARD I. With 41 Plates. Royal folio.
£2, 2s. net.
Sketchley (R. E. D-). See Little Books on

i Art.
SkiptOU (H. P. K.). See Little Books on

Art.
Sladen (Douglas). SICILY: The New

Winter Resort. With over 200 Illustration:.

Second Edition. Croitn ZTO. 51. net.

Small (Evan), M.A. THE EARTH. An

Introduction to Physiography. Illustrated.

Crown &r'ff. 2S. dd.
Smallwood, (M. O.). See Little Books on

Art.
Smedley (F. E.). See Illustrated Pocket

Library.
Smith (Adam). THE WEALTH OF

NATIONS. Edited with an Introduction

and numerous Notes by EDWIN CANNAN,

M.A. Two volumes. Demy 8w ait.

net.

See also Methuen's Standard Library.
Smith (Horace and James). See Little

*Smithry(H. Bompas), M.A. ANEW
JUNIOR ARITHMETIC. Crown 8vo.
2s. 6d.

"Smith (John Thomas). A BOOK FOR

A RAINY DAY. Edited by WILFRID
VHITTBN. Illustrated. Demy 8*0. 15*.

Snell'(F. J.). A BOOK OF EXMOOR.

Illustrated. Crown Zvo. 6s.
Snowden(C. E.). A BRIEF SURVEY OF

BRITISH HISTORY. Dtmytoe. 41- &•
Sophocles. See Classical Translations.
Sornet (L. A.), See Junior School Hooks.
South (Wilton E.), M.A. See Junior School

Books.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

southey (:i.) ENGLISH SEAMEN.

Edited, with an Introduction, by DAVID

HANNAY.
Vol. I. (Howard, Clifford, Hawkins,

Drake, Cavendish). Second Edition. Crown

Svo. 6s.
Vol. II. (Richard Hawkins, Grenville,

Essex, and Raleigh). Crown Svo. 6s.
Spence (C. H.), M. A. Se« School Examina-
tion Series.
Spooner (W. A.), M.A. See Leaders of

Religion.
Stanbridge (J. W.), B.D. See Library of

Devotion.
'Stancliffe.' GOLF DO'S AND DONT'S.

Second Edition. Fcap. Svo.' is.

Stedman(A. M. M.), M.A.
INITIA LATINA : Easy Lessons on Elemen-
tary Accidence. Seventh Edition. Fcap.

FIR7ST LATIN LESSONS. Eighth Edi-
tion. Cro~.vn Svo. 2S.

FIRST LATIN READER. With Notes
adapted to the Shorter Latin Primer and
Vocabulary. Sixth Edition revised, iSmo.
is. 6d.

EASY SELECTIONS FROM CAESAR.
The Helvetian War. Second Edition.

EASY SELECTIONS FROM LIVY. Part

I. Th« Kings of Rome. lim?. Second

Edition, is. 6(f.
EASY LATIN PASSAGES FOR UNSEEN

TRANSLATION. Ninth Edition Fcap.

Svo. is. 6d.
EXEMPLA LATINA. First Exercises

in Latin Accidence. With Vocabulary.

Third Edition. CroitinSvo. is.
EASY LATIN EXERCISES ON THE

SYNTAX OF THE SHORTER AND

REVISED LATIN PRIMER. With

Vocabulary. Tenth and Cheaper Edition,

re-written. Crown Svo. is. 6d. Original

Edition, vs. 6d. KEV, 31. net.
THE LATIN COMPOUND SENTENCE :

Rules and Exercises. Second Edition.

Crown Sz'o. is. 6d. With Vocabulary.

NOT AN DA QUAEDAM : Miscellaneous
Latin Exercises on Common Rules and
Idioms. Fourth Edition. Fcap. Svo.
is. 6d. With Vocabulary, as. Key, 21.
nit.

LATIN VOCABULARIES FOR REPE-
TITION : Arranged according to Subjects.
Twelfth Edition. Fcap. Svo. is. 6d.

A VOCABULARY OF LATIN IDIOMS.
iSwo. Second Edition, is.

STEPS TO GREEK. Stcond Edition, re-
vised. iZmo, is.

A SHORTER GREEK PRIMER. Crown
Svtr. js. 6d.

EASY GREEK PASSAGES FOR UNSEEN
TRANSLATION. Third Edition, re-
vised. I'~cap. Svo. is. 6d.

GREEK VOCABULARIES FOR RE.
PETITION. Arranged according to Sub-
jects. Fourth Edition. Fcap. Svo. is. 6d.

GREEK TESTAMENT SELECTIONS.
For the use of Schools. With Introduc-
tion, Notes, and Vocabulary. fourth
Edition. Fcap. Svo, 2S. 6d.

STEPS TO FRENCH. Sixth Edition.
iSmo. Sd.

FIRST FRENCH LESSONS. Sixth Edi-
tion, revised. Crown Svo. is.

EASY FRENCH PASSAGES FOR UN-
SEEN TRANSLATION. Fifth Edi-
tion, revised, l''cap. Svo. is. 6d.

EASY FRENCH EXERCISES ON ELE-
MENTARY SYNTAX. With Vocabu-
lary, fourth Edition. Crown Svo. vs. 6d.

FRENCH**' VOCABULARIES FOR RE-
PETITION : Arranged according to Sub-
jects. Twelfth Edition. Fcap. Svo. is.
See also School Examination Series.

Steel (R. Elliott). M.A., F.C.S. THE
WORLD OF SCIENCE. With 147
Illustrations. Second Edition. Crown Svo.
ss. 6d.

See also School Examination Series.

Stephenson (C.), of the Technical College,
Bradford, and SuddardS (F.) of the
Yorkshire College, Leeds. ORNAMEN-
TAL DESIGN FOR WOVEN FABRICS.
Illustrated. Demy ST<O. Second Edition,
js. 6d.

Stephenson (J.), M.A. THE CHIEF

TRUTHS OF THE CHRISTIAN

FAITH. Crcr.vn Svo. 3*. 6d.
Steme (Laurence). See Little Library.
Sterry (W.), M.A. ANNALS OF ETON

COLLEGE. With numerous Illustrations.

Demy Svo. js. 6d.

Steuart (Katherine). BY ALLAN

WATER. Second Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

Stevenson (R. L.). THE LETTERS OF

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON TO
HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Selected and Edited, with Notes and In-
troductions, by SIDNEY COI.VIN. Sixth
and Cheaper Edition. Crown Svo. i is.

LIBRARY EDITION. Demy Svo. 2 vols. 251.
net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

VAILIMA LETTERS. With an Etched
Portrait by WILLIAM STRANG. fourth
Edition. Croivn Svo, Buckram, 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

THE LIFE OF R. L. STEVENSON. See
G. Balfour.

Stevenson (M. I.). FROM SARANAC
TO THE MARQUESAS. Being Letters
written by Mrs. M. I. STEVENSON during
1887-8 to her sister, Miss JANE WHYTE
BALFOUR. With an Introduction by GEORGE
W. BALFOUR, M.D., LLD., F.R.S.S.
Crown Svo. 6s. net.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Stoddart (Anna M.). See Oxford Bio.

graphics.
Stone (E. D.), M.A. SELECTIONS |

FROM THE ODYSSEY. Feat. 8w.

is. 6,/.
Stone (S. J.). POEMS AND HYMNS.

With a Memoir by F. G. ELLERTON,

M.A. With Portrait. Crown 9,vo. 6s.
Straker (F.). See Books on Business.
Streane (A. W.), D.D. See Churchman's

Bible.
Strpud (H.), D.Sc., M.A. See Textbooks of

Technology.

strutt (Joseph). THE SPORTS AND

PASTIMES OF THE PEOPLE OF
ENGLAND. Illustrated by many engrav-
ings. Revised by J. CHARLES Cox, LL.D.,
F.S.A. Quarto. 211. net.

Stuart (Capt Donald). THE STRUGGLE

FOR PERSIA. With a Map. Crtmm Zvo.
6s.

*SturCh(F.)., Staff Instructor to the Surrey
County Council. SOLUTIONS TO THE
CITY AND GUILDS QUESTIONS
IN MANUAL INSTRUCTION DRAW-
ING. Imp. 4(0.

'Suckling (Sir John). FRAGMENTA
AUREA : a Collection of all the Incom-
parable Peeces, written by. And published
by a friend to perpetuate his memory.
Printed by his own copies.

Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY, and
are to be sold at his shop, at the sign of the
Princes Arms in St. Paul's Churchyard,
1646.

SuddardS (F.). See C. Stephenson.

Surtees (R. S.). See Illustrated Pocket

SwifUJonathan). THE JOURNAL TO
STELLA. Edited by G. A. AITKEN. Cr.

Sym.es (J. E.). M.A. THE FRENCH RE-
VOLUTION. Second Edition. Crown &vo.

2.T. 6d.

Syrett (Netta). See Little Blue Books.

TacitUS. AGRICOLA. With Introduction,
Notes, Map, etc. By R. F. DAVIS, M.A.
Feat. 8vo. 2J.

GERM AN IA. By the same Editor. Fcap.
Zt'i'. 3J. See also Classical Translations.

*TallaCk (W.) HOWARD LETTERS
AND MEMORIES. Dutty Svo. ios. 6d.
net.

Tauler (J.). See Library of Devotion.

Taunton (E. L.). A HISTORY OF THE
JESUITS IN ENGLAND. With Illus-
trations. Demybvo. 21.5. net.

Taylor (A. E.). THE ELEMENTS OF
METAPHYSICS. Demy Svo. ios. 6<t.
net.

Taylor (F. G.), M.A. See Commercial Series.

Taylor (I. A.). See Oxford Biographies.

Taylor (T. M.), MA., Fellow of Gonville
and Caius College, Cambridge. A CON-
STITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL

A

HISTORY OF ROME. Crvvn 8r*.

js. 6ti.
Tennyson (Alfred, Lord). THE EARLY

POEMS OF. Edited, with Notes and

an Introduction, by J. CHURTON COLLINS,

M.A. Crown Svo. 6s.
IN MEMORIAM, MAUD, AND THE

PRINCESS. Edited by J. CHI

COLLINS, M.A. Crow n Sva. 6s. See also

Little Library.

Terry (C. S.). See Oxford Biographies.
Terton (Alice). LIGHTS AND SHADOWS

IN A HOSPITAL. Crown 8ro. js. (at.
Thackeray (W. M.). See Little Library.
Theobald (F. W.), M.A. INSECT LIFE.

Illustrated. Second Hd. Revised. Cr. Sro.

as. 6d.

Thompson (A. H.). See The Little Guides.
Tileston(MaryW.). DAILY STRENGTH

FOR DAILY NEEDS. Eleventh Edition.

Fcap. Svo. 2f. (xt. net. Also an edition

in superior binding 6s.

Tompkins (H. W.), F.R.H.S. See The
Little Guides.

Townley (Lady Susan). MY CHINESE
NOTE-BOOK With 16 Illustrations and
2 Maps. Third Edition. Demy 8vo. los.
6d. net.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

Toynbee (Paget), M.A., D.Liw. DANTE
STUDIES AND RESEARCHES. Demy
8m ios. &/. net. See also Oxford Bio-

TrlnchOBierbert). DEIRDRE WED : and
Other Poems. Crmvu Zvo. 5*.

Trevelyan(G. M.), Fellow of Trinity College.
Cambridge. ENGLAND UNDER THE
STUARTS. With Maps and Plans. Second
Edition. Detny Zvo. ior. 6d. net.

TrOUtbeck (G. E.). See The Little Guides.

TUCkWell (Gertrude). See Social Questions
Series.

Twining (Louisa). See Social Questions

. A.), B.A., F.C.S. See Junior
School Books.
Tyrell-Gill (Frances). See Little Books on

Vardon (Harry). THE COMPLETE

GOLFER. With numerous Illustrations.

Third Edition. Demy 8fv. 101. &/.

net.

A Colonial Edition is also published.
Vaughan (Henry). See Little Library.
Voegelin (A.), M.A. See Junior Exatnina-

Wade (o'.'w.), D.p. OLD TESTAMENT

HISTORY. With Maps. Third Edition,

Crown Zvo. 6s.

Wagner (Richard). See A. L. Cleaiher.
Wall (J. C.) DKVLLS. Illusu«ted by the

Author and from photographs. Dttny 8rv.

45. kd. net. See also Antiquary's Books.
Walters (H. B.). S«-r Little Foolrton Art.
Walton (F. W.). See Victor PUrr.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

Walton (Izaac) and Cotton (Charles).

See Illustrated Pocket Library, Methuen's
Standard Library, and Little Library.

Warmelo (D. S. Van). ON COMMANDO.

With Portrait. Crown Zvo. y. 6d.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Waterhouse (Mrs. Alfred). WITH THE
SIMPLE-HEARTED: Little Homilies to
Women in Country Places. Second Edition.
Small Pott 8vo. 2s. net. See also Little
Library.

Weatherhead (T. C.), M.A. EXAMINA-
TION PAPERS IN HORACE. Cr.&vo.
is. See also Junior Examination Series.

Webb (W. T.). See Little Blue Books.

Webber (F. C.)- See Textbooks of Techno-
logy.

Wells (Sidney H.). See Textbooks of
Technology.

Wells ( J.), M.A. , Fellow and Tutor ofWadham
College. OXFORD AND OXFORD
LIFE. By Members of the University.
Third Edition. Crown tvo. rs. 6d.

A SHORT HISTORY OF ROME. Sixth
Edition. With 3 Maps. Crown &vo.
y. 6d.

This book is intended for the Middle and
Upper Forms of Public Schools and for Pass
Students at the Universities. It contains
copious Tables, etc. See also The Little

Wetmore (Helen C.). THE LAST OF

THE GREAT SCOUTS ('Buffalo Bill').
With Illustrations. Second Edition. Demy
Svo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Whibley (C.). See Henley and Whibley.

Whibley (L.), M.A., Fellow of Pembroke
College, Cambridge. GREEK OLIGAR-
CHIES : THEIR ORGANISATION
AN D CHARACTER. 'Crowa&ve. 6s.

Whitaker (G. H.), M.A. See Churchman's
Bible.

White (Gilbert). THE NATURAL
HISTORY OF SELBORNE. Edited by
L. C. Mi ALL, F. R.S., assisted by W. WARDE
FOWLER, M.A. Crown 8va. 6s. See also
Methuen's Standard Library.

Whitfield (E. E.). See Commercial Series.

Whitehead (A. W.). G A S P A R D D E
C O L I G N Y. With many Illustrations.
Demy &vo. 12.?. 6 /. net.

*Whiteley (R. Lloyd), F.I.C., Principal of

the Technical Institute, West Bromwich.

AN ELEMENTARY TEXT-BOOK OF

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Crown

&V0. zs. 6d.

WMtley (MiSS). See Social Questions Series.
WMtten (W.). See Thomas Smith.
Whyte(A. G.), B.Sc. See Books on Business.

Wilberforce (Wilfrid). See Little Books

Wilde (Oscar). DE PROFUNDIS. Fourth
Edition. Crown Svo. $s. net.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Wilkins (W. H.), B. A. See Social Questions

Series.
Wilkinson (J. Frome). See Social Ques-

tions Series.
Williamson (W.). THE BRITISH

GARDENER. Illustrated. Demy &TO.

i or. 6d.

Williamson (W.), B.A. See Junior Ex-
amination Series, Junior School Books, and

The Beginner's Books.
Wilmot-Buxton (E. M.). MAKERS OF

EUROPE. Crown to>o. Third Edition.

3*. 6d.
A Text-book of European History for

Middle Forms.
THE ANCIENT WORLD. With Maps and

Illustrations. Crown %vo. 3$. ftd.

See also The Beginner's Books.
Wilson (Bishop). See Library of Devotion.

Willson (Beckles). LORD STRATH-
CON A : the Story of his Life. Illustrated.
Demy %vo. js. 6d.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

Wilson (A. J.). See Books on Business.

Wilson (H. A.). See Books on Business.

Wilton (Richard), M.A. LYRA P A S-
TORALIS : Songs of Nature, Church, and
Home. Pott 8vo. zs. 6d.

Winbolt (S. E.), M.A. EXERCISES IN
LATIN ACCIDENCE. Cr. 8vo. is. 6d.

LATIN HEXAMETER VERSE: An Aid
to Composition. Crown &vo, 33. 6d. KEY,

Win'dle '(B. C. A. ), D. Sc. , F. R. S. See Anti-

quary's Books and The Little Guides.

Winterbotham (Canon), M.A., B.SC.,

LL.B. See Churchman's Library.
WOQd(J. A. E.). See Textbooks of Technology.

*Wood (J. Hickory). DAN LENO: HIS

LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS, With many
Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 6s.
A Colonial Edition is also published.

*WOOd (W. Birkbeck), M.A., late Scholar of
Worcester College, Oxford, and Edmonds
(Major J. E.), R.E., D.A.Q.-M.G. A
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN
CIVIL WAR. With an Introduction by
H. SPENSER WILKINSON. With 24 Maps
and Plans. Demy %vo. 12: 6d. net.

Wordsworth (Christopher). See Anti-
quary's Books.

WordSWOrth (W.). See Little Library.

Wordsworth (W.) and Coleridge (S. T.).

See Little Library.
Wright (Arthur), M.A., Fellow of Queen's

College, Cambridge. See Churchman's

Library.

Wright (C. Gordon). See Dante.

Wright (Sophie). GERMAN VOCABU-
LARIES FOR REPETITION. Fcap. Svo.
is. 6d.

Wrong, (George M.), Professor of History
in the University of Toronto. THE
EARL OF ELGIN. With Illustrations.
Demy 8ro. ys. 6d. net.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Wylde (A. B.). MODERN ABYSSINIA.
With a Slap and a Portrait. Demy Svo.

Wyiidham (G.). T H K POEMS OF
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. With an
Introduction and Notes. Demy Svo. Suck-
ram, gilt top. los. 6d.

Wyon (R.) and Prance (G.). THE LAND
OF THE BLACK MOUNTAIN. Being
a description of Montenegro. With 40 Illus-
trations. Crown Svo. 6s.

A Colonial Edition is also published.

Yeats (W. B.). AN ANTHOLOGY OF
IRISH VERSE. Revised and Enlarged
Edition. Crcnun Svo. 3-j. 6d.

Yendis(M.). THE GREAT RED FROG.

A Story told in 40 Coloured Pictures. Fcaf>.
Svo. is. net.

Young (Filson). THE COMPLETE
MOTORIST. With 138 Illustration^
Fourth Edition. Delay Svo. us. 6d. net.

Young (T. M.). T HE AMERICAN
COTTON INDUSTRY: A Study of
Work and Workers. With an Introduction
by ELIJAH HELM, Secretary to the Man-
chester Chamber of Commerce. Crown Svo.
Cloth, 2J. 6d. ; paper boards, i s. 6d.

Zenker (E. V.). ANARCHISM. Demy Svo.
js. 6d.

Zimmern (Antonia). WHAT DO WE
KNOW CONCERNING ELECTRI-
CITY? Crown Svo. is.6d.net.

Ancient Cities

Crown Svo. 4$. 6d. net.

CHESTER. Illustrated by E. H. New. Crown

Sr<7. 4.1. 6d. net.
SHREWSBURY. By T. Auden, M.A., F.S.A.

Illustrated. Crown Svo. 4.1. 6d. net.
•CANTERBURY. By J.C. Cox, LL.D., F.b.A.
Illustrated. Crown Svo. 4*. 6d. net.

Antiquary's Books, The

General Editor, J. CHARLES COX, LL.D., F.S.A.

A series of volumes dealing with various branches of English Antiquities ;
comprehensive and popular, as well as accurate and scholarly.

Demy Svo. 7s. 6d. net.

ENGLISH MONASTIC LIFE. By the Right
Rev. Abbot Gasquet, O.S.B. Illustrated.
Third Edition.

REMAINS OK THE PREHISTORIC AGE IN
ENGLAND. By B. C. A. Windle, D.Sc.,
F.R.S. With numerous Illustrations and
Plans.

OLD SERVICE BOOKS OK THK ENGLISH
CHURCH. By Christopher Wordsworth,
M.A , and Henry Littlehales. With
Coloured and other Illustrations.

CEITICAKT. By J. Romilly Allen, F.S.A.
With numerous Illustrations and Plans.

ARCHEOLOGY AND FALSE ANTIQUITIES.
By R. Munro, LL.D. With numerous
Illustrations.

SHRINES OK BRITISH SAINTS. By J.C. Wall.
With numerous Illustrations and Plans.

•THE ROYAL FoKtsTS or ENGLAND. By J.
C. Cox, LL.D., F.S.A. With many Illus-
trations.

•THE MAN »i: A.ND MANORIAL RECORDS.
By Nathaniel J. Hone. With many Illus-
nation*.

Beginner's Books, The

EASY FRENCH RHYMES. By Henri Blouet.
Illustrated. Fcap. Svo. is.

EASY STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. By
E. M. Wilmot-Buxton, Author of ' Makers
of Europe. ' Crown Svo. is.

EASY EXERCISES IN ARITHMETIC. Arranged
by W. S. Beard. J-'caf. Svo. Without
Answers, is. With Answers, is. $</.

EASY DICTATION AND SELLING. By W.
Williamson, B.A. Fourth Edition. Fc*f.
Svf. is.

20

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

Business, Books on

Crown Svo. 2s. 6d. net.

A series of volumes dealing with all the most important aspects of commercial and
financial activity. The volumes are intended to treat separately all the considerable
industries and forms of business, and to explain accurately and clearly what they do
and how they do it. Some are Illustrated. The first volumes are —

PORTS AND DOCKS. By Douglas Owen.

RAILWAYS. By E. R. McDermott.

THE STOCK EXCHANGE. By Chas. Duguid.

Second Edition.
THE BUSINESS OF INSURANCE. By A. J.

Wilson.
THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY : LIGHTING,

TRACTION, AND POWER. By A. G. Whytc,

B.Sc.
THE SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY : Its History,

Science, Practice, and Finance. By David

Pollock, M.I.N.A.

THE MONEY MARKET. By F. Straker.
THE BUSINESS SIDE OF AGRICULTURE. By

A. G. L. Rogers, M.A.
LAW IN BUSINESS. By H. A. Wilson.
THE BREWING INDUSTRY. By Julian L.

Baker, F.I.C., F.C.S.

THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY. By G. d« H.
Stone.

MINING AND MINING INVESTMENTS. By
' A. Moil.'

THE BUSINESS OF ADVERTISING. By Clarence
G. Moran, Barrister-at-Law. Illustrated.

TRADE UNIONS. By G. Drage.

*Civit. ENGINEERING. By T. Claxton Fidler,
M.Inst. C.E. Illustrated.

*THE COAL INDUSTRY. By Ernest Aves.
Illustrated.

*THE IRON TRADE. By J. Stephen Jeans.
Illustrated.

*TRUSTS AND KARTELS. By F. W. Hirst.

*THE COTTON INDUSTRY. By Professor S. J.
Chapman, Dean of the Faculty of Com-
merce in the University of Manchester.
Illustrated.

Byzantine Texts

Edited by J. B. BURY, M.A., Litt.D.
A series of texts of Byzantine Historians, edited by English and foreign scholars.

THE HISTORY OF PSELLUS. Edited by C.

Sathas. Demy 8v0. i$s. net.
ECTHESIS CHRONICA. Edited by Professor

Lambros. Demy 8vo. js. 6d. net.
THE CHRONICLE OF MOREA. Edited by John

ZACHARIAH OK MITYLENE. Translated by F.
J. Hamilton, D.D., and E\ W. Brooks.
Demy &vo. us. 6d. net.

EVAGRIUS. Edited by Leon Parmentier and
M. Bidez. Demy 8vo. los. 6d. net.

Schmitt. DemyZvo. 15$. net.

Churchman's Bible, The

General Editor, J. H. BURN, B.D., F.R.S.E.

A series of Expositions on the Books of the Bible, which will be of service to the
general reader in the practical and devotional study of the Sacred Text.

Each Book is provided with a full and clear Introductory Section, in which is
stated what is known or conjectured respecting the date and occasion of the com-
position of the Book, and any other particulars that may help to elucidate its meaning
as a whole. The Exposition is divided into sections of a convr nient length, corre-
sponding as far as possible with the divisions of the Church Lectionary. The
Translation of the Authorised Version is printed in full, such corrections as are
deemed necessary being placed in footnotes.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO
THE GALATIANS. Edited by A. W. Robin-
son, M.A. Second Edition. Fcap. 8ve.
is. (>d. net.

ECCLESIASTES. Edited by A. W. Streane,
D.D. Fcap. 8vo. is. 6d. net.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO
THE PHILIPPIANS. Edited by C. R. D.
Biggs, D.D. Second Edition. Fcap %vo.
is. 6d. net.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES. Edited by
H. W. Fulford, M.A. Fcap. 8vo. is. 6d.
net.

ISAIAH. Edited by W. E. Barnes, D.D. Two
Volumes. Fcap. 8vo. zs. net each. With
Map.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO
THE EPHESIANS. Edited by G. H. Whitaker,
M.A. Fcap. &vt>. is. 6d. net.

GENERAL LITERATURE

21

Churchman's Library, The

General Editor, J. H. BURN, B.D., F.R.S.E.

A series of volumes upon such questions as are occupying the attention of Church
people at the present time. The Editor has enlisted the services of a baud of
scholars, who, having made a special study of their respective subjects, ars in a.
position to furnish the best results of modern research accurately and attractively.

THE KPGINNINGS OF ENGLISH CHRISTIANITY.
By W. E. Collins, M.A. With Map. Crown
Svff. $s. dd.

SOME NEW TESTAMENT PROBLEMS. By
Arthur Wright, M.A. Crmvn 8z>o. ts.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HKRE AND HERE-
AFTER. By Canon Winterbotham, M.A. ,
B. Sc. , LL. B. Crown 8vo. y. dd.

THE WORKMANSHIP OF THE PRAYER BOOK :
Its Literary and Liturgical Aspects. l!y J.
Dowden,D.D. Second Edition. CrownSvo.

EVOLUTION. By F. B. Jevons, M.A., Litt.D.

Crmvn %vo. y. dd.
THE OLD TESTAMENT AND THE NEW-SCHOLAR-

SHIP. By J. W. Peters, D.D. Crown &vo.

6s.
THE CHURCHMAN'S INTRODUCTION TO THE

OLD TESTAMENT. By A. M. Mackay, B. A.

Crown Zvo. y. fxi.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. By E. T. Green,

M.A. Crcnun 8vo. 6s.
COMPARATIVE THEOLOGY. By J. A. Mac-

Culloch. Crown. Svo. 6s,

Classical Translations

Edited by H. F. Fox, M. A., Fellow and Tutor of Brasenose College, Oxford.

Crown §vo.

A series of Translations from the Greek and Latin Classics, distinguished by literary
excellence as well as by scholarly accuracy.

.ESCHYLUS — Agamemnon, Choephoroe, Eu-
menides. Translated by Lewis Campbell,
LL.D. y.

CICERO— De Oratore I. Translated by E. N.
P. Moor, M.A. js. dd.

CICERO — Select Orations (Pro Milone, Pro
Mureno, Philippic n., in Catilinam). Trans-
lated by H. E. D. Blakiston, M.A. 5.1.

CICERO— De Natura Deorum. Translated by
F. Brooks, M.A. y. dd.

CiCERO^De Officiis. Translated by G. B.
Gardiner, M.A. ?s. dd.

HORACE — The Odes and Epodes. Translated
by A. D. Godley, M.A. 2$.

LUCIAN — Six Dialogues (Nigrinus, Icaro-Me-
nippus, The Cock, The Ship, The Parasite,
The Lover of Falsehood). Translated by S.
T. Irwin, M.A. 3*. dd.

SOPHOCLES — Electra and Ajax. Translated by
E. D. A. Morshead, M.A. 2*. dd.

TACITUS — Agricola and Germania. Trans-
lated by R. B. Townshend. 2s. dd.

THE SATIRES or JUVENAL. Translated by
S. G. Owen. w. dd.

Commercial Series, Methuen's

Edited by H. DE B. GIBBINS, Litt.D., M.A.

Crown 8vo.

A series intended to assist students and young men preparing for a commercial
career, by supplying useful handbooks of a clear and practical character, dealing
with those subjects which are absolutely essential in the business life.
COMMERCIAL EDUCATION IN THEORY AND

PRACTICE. By E. E. Whitfield, M.A. $s.
An introduction to Methuen's Commercial

Series treating the question of Commercial

Education fully from both the point of view

of the teacher and of the parent.
BRITISH COMMERCE AND COLONIES FROM

ELIZABETH TO VICTORIA. By H. de B.

Gibbins, Litt.D., M.A. Third Edition, is.
COMMERCIAL EXAMINATION PAPERS. By H.

de B. Gibbins, Litt.D., M.A. w. dd.
THB ECONOMICS OF COMMERCE, By H. de

B. Gibbinfc Litt.D., M.A. Second Edition.

n.dd.

A GERMAN COMMERCIAL REAMER. By S. E.

Kally. With Vocabulary, ss.
A COMMERCIAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE BRITISH

EMPIRE. By L. W. Lyde, M.A. Fourth

Edition, is.
A COMMERCIAL GEOGRAPHY OP FOREIGN

NATIONS. By F. C. Boon, B.A. at.
A PRIMER OF BUSINESS. By S. Jackson,

M.A. Third Edition, is. dd.
COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC. By F. G. Taylor,

M.A. Fourth Edition, is. dd.
FRENCH COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE. By

S. E. Bally.
Edition.

With Vocabulary. Third
[Continued.

22

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

METHUEN'S COMMERCIAL SERIES — continued.

GERMAN COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE. By i A GUIDE TO PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.

S. E. Bally. With Vocabulary, zs. 6d. By H. Jones, is. dd.

AiF nEN w-^°v MI?C,'AL ^-EAL> vR^J S- E' T»E PKINCIPLESOP BOOK-KEEPING BY DOUBLE

Bally. With Vocabulary. Second Edition. 2S. VNTHV Wv T F B M 'Alien M \ •?*

PRECIS WRITING AND OFFICE CORRESPOND- ENTRY. By J. i,. U. M Allen, M.A. 2*.

ENCE. By E. E. Whitfield, M.A. Second COMMERCIAL LAW. By W. Douglas Edwards.

Edition, zs. Second Edition, zs.

Connoisseur's Library, The

Wide Royal 8vo. 2$s. net.

A sumptuous series of 20 books on art, written by experts for collectors, superbly
illustrated in photogravure, collotype, and colour. The technical side of the art is
duly treated. The first volumes are —

MEZZOTINTS. By Cyril Davenport. With 40
Plates in Photogravure.

PORCELAIN. By Edward Dillon. With 19
Plates in Colour, 20 in Collotype, and 5 in
Photogravure.

MINIATURES. By Dudley Heath. With 9

Plates in Colour, 15 in Collotype, and 15 in

Photogravure.
IVORIES. By A. Maskell. With 80 Plates in

Collotype and Photogravure.
*ENGLISH FURNITURE. By F. S. Robinson.

With 160 Plates in Collotype and one in

Photogravure.

Devotion, The Library of

With Introductions and (where necessary) Notes,
Small Pott Svo, cloth, zs. ; leather, 2s. 6d. net.

These masterpieces of devotional literature are furnished with such Introductions
and Notes as may be necessary to explain the standpoint of the author and the
obvious difficulties of the text, without unnecessary intrusion between the author and
the devout mind.

THE CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE. Edited

by C. Bigg, D.D. Third Edition.
THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. Edited by Walter

Lock, D. D. Second Edition.
THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. Edited by C.

Bigg, D.D. Fourth Edition.
A BOOK OF DEVOTIONS. Edited by J. W.

Stanbridge. B.D. Second Edition.
LYRA INNOCENTIUM. Edited by Walter

Lock, D.D.
A SERIOUS CALL TO A DEVOUT AND HOLY

LIFE. Edited by C. Bigg, D.D. Second

Edition.
THE TEMPLE. Edited by E. C. S. Gibson,

D.D.
A GUIDE TO ETERNITY. Edited by J. W.

Stanbridge, B.D.
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. Edited by B. W.

Randolph, D.D.
LYRA APOSTOLICA. Edited by Canon Scott

Holland and Canon H. C. Beeching, M.A.
THE INNER WAY. By J. Tauler. Edited by

A. W. Hutton, M.A.
THE THOUGHTS OF PASCAL. Edited by C.

S. Jerram, M.A.

ON THE LOVE OF GOD. By St. Francis de

Sales. Edited by W. J. Knox-Little, M.A.
A MANUAL OF CONSOLATION FROM THE

SAINTS AND FATHERS. Edited by J. H.

Burn, B.D.
THE SONG OF SONGS. Edited by B. Blaxland,

M.A.
THE DEVOTIONS OF ST. ANSRLM. Edited by

C. C. J. Webb, M.A.
GRACE ABOUNDING. By JohnBunyan. Edited

by S. C. Freer, M.A.
BISHOP WILSON'S SACRA PRIVATA. Edited

by A. E. Burn, B. D.
LYRA SACRA : A Book of Sacred Verse.

Edited by H. C. Beeching, M.A., Canon of

Westminster.
A £> AY BOOK FROM THE SAINTS AND FATHERS.

Edited by J. H. Burn, B.D.
HEAVENLY WISDOM. A Selection from the

English Mystics. Edited by E. C. Gregory.
LIGHT, LIFE, and LOVE. A Selection from the

German Mystics. Edited by W. R. Inge,

M.A.
*THE DEVOUT LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES.

Translated and Edited by T. Barns, M.A.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Methuen's Half-Crown Library

Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d. net.

THE LIFE OF JOHN RUSKIN. By W. G.

Collingwood.M.A. With Portraits. Fourth.

Edition.
ENGLISH LYRICS. By W. E. Henley. Second

Edition.
THE GOLDEN POMP. A Procession of English

Lyrics. Arranged by A. T. Quiller Couch.

Second Edition.
CHITRAL : The Story of a Minor Siege. By

Sir G. S. Robertson. K.C.S.I. Third

Edition. With numerous Illustrations, Map,

and Plan.

STRANGE SURVIVALS AND SUPERSTITIONS. By
S. Baring-Gould. Third Edition.

* YORKSHIRE ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS.
By S. Baring-Gould, fourth Edition.

ENGLISH VILLAGES. By P. H. Ditchfield,
M.A., F.S.A. With many Illustrations.

*A BOOK OF ENGLISH PROSE. By W. E
Henley and C. Whibley.

»THE LAND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAIN.
Being a Description of Montenegro. By
R. Wyon and G. Prance. With 40 Illustra-
tions.

Illustrated Pocket Library of Plain and Coloured Books, The

Fcap 8vo. $s. 6d. net each volume.

A series, in small form, of some of the famous illustrated books of fiction and
general literature. These are faithfully reprinted from the first or best editions
without introduction or notes. The Illustrations are chiefly in colour.

COLOURED BOOKS

OLD COLOURED BOOKS. By George Paston.

With 16 Coloured Plates. Fcap. &vo. 21. net.
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JOHN MYTTON, ESQ.

By Nimrod. With 18 Coloured Plates by

Henry Alken and T. J. Rawlins. Third

Edition.
THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN. By Nimrod.

With 35 Coloured Plates by Henry Alken.
HANDLEY CROSS. By R. S. Surtees. With

17 Coloured Plates and 100 Woodcuts in the

Text by John Leech.
MR. SPONGE'S SPOKTING TOUR. By R. S.

Surtees. With 13 Coloured Plates and 90

Woodcuts in the Text hy John Leech.
JORROCKS' JAUNTS AND JOLLITIES. By R. S.

Surtees. With 15 Coloured Plates by H.

Alken.

This volume is reprinted from the ex-
tremely rare and costly edition of 1 843, which

contains Alken's very fine _ illustrations

instead of the usual ones by Phiz.
ASK MAMMA. By R. S. Surtees. With 13

Coloured Plates and 70 Woodcuts in the

Text by John Leech.
THE ANALYSIS OF THE HUNTING FIELD. By

R. S. Surtees. With 7 Coloured Plates by

Henry Alken, and 43 Illustrations on Wood.
Tun TOUR OF DR. SYNTAX IN SEARCH OF

THE PICTURESQUE. By William Combe.

With 30 Coloured Plates by T. Rowlandson.
THK TOUR OF DOCTOR SYNTAX m SEARCH

OF CONSOLATION. By William Combe.

With 24 Coloured Plates by T. Rowlandson.
THK THIRD TOUR OF DOCTOR SYNTAX IN

SEARCH OP A WIFE. By William Combe.

With 24 Coloured Plates by T. Rowlandson.
THE HISTORY OF JOHNNY QUAK GENUS : the

Little Foundling of the late Dr. Syntax.

By the Author of ' The Three Tours. ' With

24 Coloured Plates by Rowlandson.

THE ENGLISH DANCE OF DEATH, from the
Designs of T. Rowlandson, with Metrical
Illustrations by the Author of 'Doctor
Syntax.' Two Volumes.
This book contains 76 Coloured Plates.

THE DANCE OF LIFE : A Poem. By the Author
of 'Doctor Syntax.' Illustrated with 26
Coloured Engravings by T. Rowlandson.

LIFE IN LONDON : or, the Day and Night
Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn, Esq. , and nis
Elegant Friend, Corinthian lorn. By
Pierce Egan. With 36 Coloured Plates by
I. R. and G. Cruikshank. With numerous
Designs on Wood.

REAL LIFE IN LONDON: or, the Ramble*
and Adventures of Bob Tallyho, Esq., and
his Cousin, The Hon. Tom Dashall. By an
Amateur (Pierce Egan). With 31 Coloured
Plates by Alkea and Rowlandson, etc.
Tii'o Volumes.

THE LIFE OF AN ACTOR. By Pierce Egan.
With 27 Coloured Plates by Theodore Lane,
and several Designs on Wood.

THE VICAR OF WAKEFIKLD. By Oliver Gold-
smith. With 24 Coloured Plates by T. Row-
landson.
A reproduction of a very rare book.

THE MILITARY ADVENTURES OF JOHNNY
NEWCOME. By an Officer. With 15 Coloured
Plate* by T. Rowlandson.

THE NATIONAL SPORTS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
With Descriptions and 51 Coloured Plait's
by Henry Alken.

This book is completely different from the
large folio edition of ' National Sports ' by
the same artist, and none of the plates are
similar.

THE ADVENTURES OF A POST CAPTAIN. By
A Naval Officer. With 94 Coloured Plates
by Mr. Williams.

[Ctnlinntd.

24

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

THE ILLUSTRATED POCKET LIBRARY— continue//.

GAMONIA : or, the Art of Preserving Game ;
and an Improved Method of making Planta-
tions and Covers, explained and illustrated
by Lawrence Rawstorne, Esq. With 15
Coloured Plates by T. Rawlins.

AN ACADEMY FOR GROWN HORSKMKN : Con-
taining the completes! Instructions for
Walking, Trotting, Cantering, Galloping,
Stumbling, and Tumbling. Illustrated with
27 Coloured Plates, and adorned with a
Portrait of the Author. By Geoffrey
Gambado, Esq.

REAL LIFE IN IRELAND, or, the Day and
Night Scenes of Brian Boru, Esq., and his

Elegant Friend, Sir Shawn O'Dogherty.

By a Real Paddy. With 19 Coloured Plates

by Heath, Marks, etc.
THE ADVKNTURES OF JOHNNY NEWCOMK IN

THE NAVY. By Alfred Burton. With 16

Coloured Plates by T. Rowlandson.
THE OLD ENGLISH SQUIRE: A Poem. By

John Careless, Esq. With 20 Coloured

Plates after the style of T. Rowlandson.

*THE ENGLISH SPY. By Bernard Black-
mantle. With 72 Coloured Plates by R.
Cruikshank, and many Illustrations on
wood. Two Volumes.

THE GRAVE : A Poem. By Robert Blair.

Illustrated by 12 Etchings executed by Louis

Schiavonetti from the original Inventions of

William Blake. With an Engraved Title Page

and a Portrait of Blake by T. Phillips, R.A.
The illustrations are reproduced in photo-

gravure.
ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BOOK OF JOB. In-

vented and engraved by William Blake.
These famous Illustrations — 21 in number

— are reproduced in photogravure.
JEsop's FABLES. With 380 Woodcuts by

Thomas Bewick.
WINDSOR CASTLE. By W. Harrison Ainsworth.

With 22 Plates and 87 Woodcuts in the Text

by George Cruikshank.

PLAIN BOOKS

. THE TOWER OF LONDON. By W. Harrison
Ainsworth. With 40 Plates and 58 Woodcuts
in the Text by George Cruikshank.

FRANK FAIRLEGH. By F. E. Smedley. With
30 Plates by George Cruikshank.

HANDY ANDY. By Samuel Lover. With 24
Illustrations by the Author.

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER. By Izaak Walton
and Charles Cotton. With 14 Plates and 77
Woodcuts in the Text.

This volume is reproduced from the beauti-
ful edition of John Major of 1824.

THE PICKWICK PAPERS. By Charles Dickens.
With the 43 Illustrations by Seymour and
Phiz, the two Buss Plates, and the 32 Con-
temporary Onwhyn Plates.

Junior Examination Series

Edited by A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A. Fcap. 8vo. is.

This series is intended to lead up to the School Examination Series, and is intended
for the use of teachers and students, to supply material for the former and practice
for the latter. The papers are carefully graduated, cover the whole of the subject
usually taught, and are intended to form part of the ordinary class work. They
may be used viva i'oce or as a written examination.

JUNIOR FRENCH EXAMINATION PAPERS. By

F. Jacob, M.A.

JUNIOR LATIN EXAMINATION PAPERS. By C.

G. Bolting, M.A. Third Edition.
JUNIOR ENGLISH EXAMINATION PAPERS. By

W. Williamson, M.A.

JUNIOR ARITHMETIC EXAMINATION PAPERS.
By W. S. Beard. Second Edition.

JUNIOR GREEK EXAMINATION PAPERS. By T.
C. Weatherhead, M.A.

JUNIOR GENERAL INFORMATION EXAMINA-
TION PAPERS. By W. S. Beard.

*A KEY TO THE ABOVE. Crown 87-0. 3*. 6il.

JUNIOR GEOGRAPHY EXAMINATION PAPERS.
By W. G. Baker, M.A.

JUNIOR ALGEBRA EXAMINATION' PAPERS. By . JUNIOR GERMAN EXAMINATION PAPERS. By
S. W. Finn, M.A. A. Voegelin, M.A.

Junior School-Books, Methuen's

Edited by O. D. INSKIP, LL.D., and W. WILLIAMSON, B.A.

A series of elementary books for pupils in lower forms, simply written

by teachers of experience.

A CLASS-BOOK OF DICTATION PASSAGES. By
W.Williamson, B.A. Tenth EdMen. Crown
&vt>. is. 6a'.

THE GOSPF.L ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW.
Edited by E. Wilton South, M.A. With
Three Maps. Crown Sv0. is. 6d.

[Continued.

GENERAL LITERATURE

METHUEN'S JUNIOR SCHOOL-BOOKS— continued.

THEGOSPEL AccoRDiNGToST. MARK. Edited
by A. E. Rubie, D.D. With Three Maps.
Crtnon 8z>0. is. (d.

A JUKIOR ENGLISH GRAMMAR. By W.William-
son, B. A, With numerous passages for parsing
andanalysis, and a chapter on Essay Writing.
Second Edition. Crtnvn 8vo. as.

A J UNIOR CHEMISTRY. By E. A. Tyler, B. A. ,
F.C.S. With 78 Illustrations. Second Edi-
tion. Crown &v0, as. 6d.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. Edited by A.
E. Rubie, D.D. Crown 8vo. as.

A JUNIOR FRENCH GRAMMAR. By L. A.
Sornet and M. J. Acatos. Crtnvn Zvo. as.

ELEMENTARY EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCE. PHY-
SICS by W. T. Clough, A. R. C. S. CHEMISTRY

by A. E. Dunstan, B.Sc. With a Plates and

154 Diagrams. Crown &vo. as.dd.
A JUNIOR GEOMETRY. By Noel S. Lydon.

with 239 Diagrams. Crown 8vo. a».
*A JUNIOR MAGNETISM AND ELECTRICITY. By

W. T. Clough. With many Illustration*.

Crown %vo.
ELEMENTARY EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY.

By A. E. Dunstan, B.Sc. With 4 Plates

and 109 Diagrams. Croivn 8r<». as.
A JUNIOR FRENCH PROSK COMPOSITION.

ByR. R. N. Baron, M.A. Crmt-nKvo. ts.
*THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE. \Vith

an Introduction and Notes by William

Williamson, B. A. With Three Maps. Crown

&vo. is. dd.

Leaders of Religion

Edited by H. C. BEECHING, M.A., Canon of Westminster With Portraits.
Crown Svo. zs. net.

A series of short biographies of the most prominent leaders of religious life
and thought of all ages and countries.
CARDINAL NEWMAN. By R. H. Hutton.
JOHN WESLEY. By J. H. Overton, M.A.

WILLIAM LAUB. By W. H. Hutton, M.A.

Second Edition.

JOHNKNOX. ByF.MacCunn. Second Edition.
JOHN HOWE. By R. F. Horton, D.D.
BISHOP KEN. By F. A. Clarke, M.A.
GEORGE Fox, THE QUAKER. By T. Hodglcin,

D.C.L.

JOHN DONNE. By Augustus Jessopp, D.D.
THOMAS CRAXMER. By A. J. Mason, D.D
~>-R. M. Cariyleand A.

BISHOP LATIMER. By

J. Carlyle, M.A.
BISHOP BUTLER. By W. A. Spooner, M.A.

BISHOP WILBERFORCE. By G. W. Daniel),

M.A.

CARDINAL MANNING. By A. W. Hutton, M.A.
CHARLES SIMEON. By H. C. G. Moule, ]>.!).
JOHN KEBLB. By Walter Lock, D.D.
THOMAS CHALMERS. By Mrs. Oliphant.
LANCELOT ANDREWES. By R. L. Ottley,

D.D. Second Edition.
AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY. By E. L.

Cutts, D.D.

Little Blue Books, The

General Editor, E. V. LUCAS.
Illustrated. Demy l6mo. 2s. 6d.

A series of books for children. The aim of the editor is to get entertaining or
exciting stories about normal children, the moral of which is implied rather than
expressed.

1. THE CASTAWAYS OF MEADOWBANK. By

Thomas Cobb.

2. THE BEECHNUT BOOK. By Jacob Abbott.

Edited by E. V. Lucas.
THE AIR GUN. By T. Hilbert.

4. A SCHOOL YEAR. By Netta Syrett.

5. THE PEELFS AT THE CAPITAL. By Roger

Ashton.

6. THE TREASURE OF PRINCEGAT« PRIORY

By T. Cobb.

7. Mrs. BARPERRY'S GRNERAL SHOP. By

Roger Ashton.

8. A BOOK OF BAD CHILDREN. By W. T.

Webb.

9. TIIF LOST BALL. By Thomas Cobb.

Little Books on Art

With many Illustrations. Demy i6mo. 2s.fxl.ttft.

A series of monographs in miniature, containing the complete outline of the
subject under treatment and rejecting minute details. These books are pro
with the greatest care. Each volume consists of about 200 pages, and contains from
30 to 40 illustrations, including a frontispiece in photogravure.

GREEK ART. Second Edition. H. B. Walters.
BOOKPLATES. E.Almack.

REYNOLDS. J. Sime.
KOMNEY. George Pastoo.

\CantinutJ

26

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

LITTLE BOOKS ON ART — continued,

WATTS. R. E. D. Sketchley.

LEIGHTON. Alice Corkran.

VELASQUEZ. Wilfrid Wilberforce and A. R.

Gilbert.

GREUZE AND BOUCHER. Eliza F. Pollard.
VANDYCK. M. G. Smallwood.
TURNER. F. Tyrell-Gill.
DORER. Jessie Allen.
HOPPNER. H. P. K. Skipton.
HOLBEIN. Mrs. G. Fortescue.

BURNE- JONES. Fortunee de Lisl*.
REMBRANDT. Mrs. E. A. Sharp
COROT. Alice Pollard and Ethel Birnsting].
RAPHAEL. A. R. Dryhurst.
MILLET. Netta Peacock.
ILLUMINATED MSS. J. W. Bradley.
*CHRIST IN ART. Mrs. Henry Jenner.
*JEWF.LLERY. Cyril Davenport.
*CLAUUK. Edward Dillon.

Little Galleries, The

Demy i6mo. 2s. 6d. net.

A series of little books containing examples of the best work of the great painters.
Each volume contains 20 plates in photogravure, together with a short outline of the
life and work of the master to whom the book is devoted.

A LITTLE GALLERY OF REYNOLDS.
A LITTLE GALLERY OF ROMNEY.
A LITTLE GALLERY OF HOPPNER.

A LITTLE GALLERY OF MILLAIS.

A LITTLE GALLERY OF ENGLISH POKTS.

Little Guides, The

Small Pott 8vo, cloth, zs. 6d. net.; leather, 3*. 6d. net.

OXFORD AND ITS COLLEGES. By J. Wells,

M.A. Illustrated by E. H. New. Fourth

Edition.
CAMBRIDGE AND ITS COLLEGES. By A.

Hamilton Thompson. Second Edition.

Illustrated by E. H. New.
THE MALVERN COUNTRY. By B. C. A.

Windle, D.Sc., F.R.S. Illustrated by E.

H. New.
SHAKESPEARE'S COUNTRY. By B. C. A.

Windle, D.Sc., F.R.S. Illustrated by E.

H. New. Second Edition.
SUSSEX. By F. G. Brabant, M.A. Illustrated

by E. H. New.
WESTMINSTER ABBEY. By G. E. Troutbeck.

Illustrated by F. D. Bedford.
NORFOLK. By W. A. Dutt. Illustrated by

B. C. Boulter.
CORNWALL. By A. L. Salmon. Illustrated

by B. C. Boulter.
BRITTANY. By S. Baring-Gould. Illustrated

by J. Wylie.
HERTFORDSHIRE. By H. W. Tompkins,

F.R.H.S. Illustrated by E. H. New.
THE ENGLISH LAKES. By F. G. Brabant,

M.A. Illustrated by E. H. New.

Illustrated by F. D.
Illustrated by B.

Illus-

KENT. By G. Clinch.

Bedford.
ROME By C. G. Ellaby.

C. Boulter.
THE ISLE OF WIGHT. By G. Clinch.

trated by F. D. Bedford.
SURREY. By F. A. H. Lambert. Illustrated

by E. H. New.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. By E. S. Roscoe. Illus-
trated by F. D. Bedford.
SUFFOLK. By W. A. Dutt. Illustrated by J.

Wylie.
DERBYSHIRE. By J. C. Cox, LL.D., F.S.A.

Illustrated by J. C. Wall.
THE NORTH RIDING OF YORKSHIRE. By J.

E. Morris. Illustrated by R. J. S.

Bertram.
HAMPSHIRE. By J. C. Cox.

M. E. Purser.
SICILY. By F. H. Jackson.

Illustrations by the Author.
DORSET. By Frank R. Heath. Illustrated.
CHESHIRE. By W. M. Gallichan. Illustrated

by Elizabeth Hartley.

Illustrated by
With many

Little Library, The

With Introductions, Notes, and Photogravure Frontispieces.
Small Pott 8vo. Each Volume, cloth, is. 6d. net ; leather, 2s. 6d. net.
A series of small books under the above title, containing some of the famous works
in English and other literatures, in the domains of fiction, poetry, and belles lettres.
The series also contains volumes of selections in prose and verse.

The books are edited with the most sympathetic and scholarly care. Each one
contains an introduction which gives (i) a short biography of the author; (2) a
critical estimate of the book. Where they are necessary, short notes are added at
the foot of the page.

GENERAL LITERATURE

Each volume has a photogravure frontispiece, and the books are produced with
great care.

Anon. ENGLISH LYRICS, A LITTLE
BOOK OF.

Austen (Jane). PRIDE AND PREJU-
DICE. Edited by E. V. LUCAS. T-wo

NORTHANGER ABBEY. Edited by E. V.

LUCAS.
Bacon (Francis). THE ESSAYS OF

LORD BVCON. Edited by EDWARD

WRIGHT.
Barham (R. H.). THE INGOLDSBY

LEGENDS. Edited by J. B. ATLAY.

Tuif Volumes.
Barnett (Mrs. P. A.). A LITTLE BOOK

OF ENGLISH PROSE.
Beckford (William). THE HISTORY

OF THE CALIPH VATHEK. Edited

by E. DENISON Ross.
Blaka (William). SELECTIONS FROM

WILLIAM BLAKE. Edited by M.

PERUCINI.
Borrow (George). LAVENGRO. Edited

by F. HINDES GROOME. Two Volumes.
THE ROMANY RYE. Edited by JOHN

SAMPSON.
Browning (Robert). SELECTIONS

FROM THE EARLY POEMS OF

ROBERT BROWNING. Edited by W.

HALL GRIFFIN, M.A.
Canning (George). SELECTIONS FROM

THE ANTI-JACOBIN : with GEORGK

CANNING'S additional Poems. Edited by

LLOYD SANDERS.
Cowley (Abraham). THE ESSAYS OF

ABRAHAM COWLEY. Edited by H. C.

MlNCHIN.

Crabbe (George). SELECTIONS FROM
GEORGE CRABBE. Edited by A. C.

Craik1 N(Mrs.). JOHN HALIFAX,

GENTLEMAN. Edited by ANNE

MATHESON. Two Volume!.
Crawshaw (Richard). THE ENGLISH

POEMS OF RICHARD CRAWSHAW.

Edited by EDWARD HUTTON.
Dante (Alighieri). THE INFERNO OF

DANTE. Translated by H. F. GARY.

Edited by PAGF.T TOYNBEE, M.A., D.Litt.
THE PURGATORIO OF DANTE. Trans-

lated by H. F. CARY. Edited by PAGKT

TOYNBEE, M.A., D.Litt.
THE PARADISO OF DANTE. Trans-

lated by H. F. CARY. Edited by PAGKT

TOYNBEE, M.A., D.Litt.
Barley (George). SELECTIONS FROM

THE POEMS OF GEORGE DARLEY.

Edited by R. A. STREATFEILD.
Deane (A. C.). A LITTLE BOOK OF

LIGHT VERSE.

Dickens (Charles). CHRISTMAS BOOKS.
r-jja Volumes.

Ferrier (Susan). MARRIAGE. Edited

by A. GOODRICH - FREER and LORD

IDDESLEIGH. Two Volumes.
THE INHERITANCE. Two Volume*.
Gaskell (Mrs.). CRANFORD. Edited by

E. V. LUCAS.
Hawthorne (Nathaniel). THE SCARLET

LETTER. Edited by PERCY DEARMER.
Henderson (T. F.). A LITTLE BOOK

OF SCOTTISH VERSE.
Keats (John). POEMS. With an Intro-
duction by L. VOrWir, and Notes by J.

MASEFIELD.
Kinglake (A. W.). EOTHEN. With an

Introduction and Notes.
Lamb (Charles). ELIA, AND THE

LAST ESSAYS OF ELIA. Edited by

E. V. LUCAS.
Locker (F.). LONDON LYRICS. Edited

by A. D. GODLEY, M.A. A reprint of the

First Edition.
Longfellow (H. W.). SELECTIONS

FROM LONGFELLOW. Edited by

L. M. FAITHFULU
Marvell (Andrew). THE POEMS OF

ANDREW MARVELL. Edited by E.

WRIGHT.
Milton (John). THE MINOR POEMS

OF JOHN MILTON. Edited by H. C.

BEECHING, M.A., Canon of Westminster.
Moir(D. M). MANSIEWAUCH. Edited

by F. HENDERSON.
Nichols (J. B. B.). A LITTLE BOOK OF

ENGLISH SONNETS.
Rochefoucauld (La). THE MAXIMS OF

LA ROCHEFOUCAULD. Translated

by Dean STANHOPE. Edited by G. H.

POWELL.
| Smith (Horace and James). REJECTED

ADDRESSES. Edited by A. D. GODLEY,

M.A.
i Sterne (Laurence). A SENTIMENTAL

JOURNEY. Edited by H. W. PAUL.
Tennyson (Alfred, Lord). THE EARLY

POEMS OF ALFRED, LORD TENNY-

SON. Edited by J. CHURTON COLLINS,

M.A.
IN MEMORIAM. Edited by H. C.

BEECHING, M.A.
THE PRINCESS. Edited by ELIZABETH

WORDSWORTH.

MAUD. Edited by ELIZABETH WORDSWORTH,
Thackeray (W.M.). VANITY FAIR.

Edited by S. GWYNN. Three Volume*.
PENDENNIS. Edited by S. GWYNN.

Three Volumes.

ESMOND. Edited by S. GWYNN.
CHRISTMAS BOOKS. Edited by S. GWYNN.
Vaughan (Henry). THE POEMS OF

HENRY VAUGHAN. Edited by EBWAKB

HUTTON.

\Ctntinutd

28

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

THE LITTLE LIBRARY — continued.

Walton (Izaak). THE COMPLEAT

ANGLER. Edited by J. BUCHAN.

Waterhouse (Mrs. Alfred). A LITTLE

BOOK OF LIFE AND DEATH. Edited
by. Fourth Edition.

Wordsworth (W.). SELECTIONS FROM

WORDSWORTH. Edited by NOWELL

C. SMITH.
Wordsworth (W.) and Coleridge (S. T.).

LYRICAL BALLADS. Edited by GEORGE

SAMPSON.

Miniature Library, Methuen's

Reprints in miniature of a few interesting books which have qualities of
humanity, devotion, or literary genius.

EUPHRANOR : A Dialogue on Youth. By
Edward FitzGerald. From the edition pub-
lished by W. Pickering in 1851. Demy
32mo. Leather, zs. net.

POLONIUS: or Wise Saws and Modern In-
stances. By Edward FitzGerald. From
the edition published by W. Pickering in
1852. Demyyimo. Leather, zs.net.

THE RusXivXT OF OMAR KHAYYAM. By
Edward FitzGerald. From the ist edition
of 1859, Third Edition. Leather, is. net.

The Oxford

Fcap. 8vo. Each volume, cloth,

These books are written by scholars
literary skill with the power of popular
authentic material.
DANTE ALIGHIERI. By Paget Toynbee, M. A.,

D.Litt. With 12 Illustrations. Second

Edition,
SAVONAROLA. By E. L. S. Horsburgh, M.A.

With 12 Illustrations. Second Edition.
JOHN HOWARD. By E. C. S. Gibson, D.D.,

Vicar of Leeds. With 12 Illustrations.
TENNYSON. By A. C. BENSON, M.A. With

9 Illustrations.
WALTER RALEIGH. By I. A. Taylor With

12 Illustrations.
ERASMUS. By E. F. H. Capey. With 12

Illustrations.
THE YOUNG PRETENDER. By C. S. Terry.

With 12 Illustrations.

THE LIFE OF EDWARD, LORD HERBERT OF
CHERBURY. Written by himself. From
the edition printed at Strawberry Hill in
the year 1764. Medium ^mo. Leather,
2s. net.

THE VISIONS OF DOM FRANCISCO QUEVEDO
VILLEGAS, Knight of the Order of St.
James. Made English by R. L. From the
edition printed for H. Herringman, 1668.
Leather. zs. net.

POF.MS. By Dora Greenwell. From the edi-
tion of 1848. Leather, zs, net.

Biographies

2s. f>d. net ; leather, %s. 6d. net.
of repute, who combine knowledge and
presentation. They are illustrated from

ROBERT BURNS. By T. F. Henderson.

With 12 Illustrations.
CHATHAM. By A. S. M'Dowall. With 12

Illustrations.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI. By Anna M. Stod-

dart. With 16 Illustrations.
CANNING. By W. A. Phillips. With 12

Illustrations.
BEACONSFIELD. By Walter Sichel. With 12

Illustrations.

GOETHE. By H. G. Atkins. With 12 Illus-
trations.
*FENELON. By Viscount St. Cyres. With

12 Illustrations.

School Examination Series

Edited by A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A. Crown 8vo.

FRENCH EXAMINATION PAPERS. By A. M.
M. Stedman, M.A. Thirteenth Edition.
A KEY, issued to Tutors and Private
Students only to be had on application
to the Publishers. Fifth Edition.
Crown 87>e. 6s. net.

LATIN EXAMINATION PAPERS. By A. M. M.
Stedman, M.A. Twelfth Edition.
KEY (Fourth Edition) issued as above.

6s. net.

GRKEK EXAMINATION PAPERS. By A. M. M.
Stedman, M.A. Seventh Edition.

KEY (Second Edition) issued as above.

6s. net.

GERMAN EXAMINATION PAPERS. By R. J.
Morich. Fifth Edition.

KEY (Second Edition) issued as above.
6s. net.

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY EXAMINATION
PAPERS. By C. H. Spence, M.A. Third
Edition.

PHYSICS EXAMINATION PAPERS. By R. E.
Steel, M.A., F.C.S.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION-
PAPERS. By A. M. M. Stedman, M.A.
Fifth Edition.

KEY (Third Edition) issued as above.
•js. net.

EXAMINATION PAPERS IN ENGLISH HISTORY.
By J. Tail Plowden-Wardlaw, B.A.

GENERAL LITERATURE

29

Social Questions of To-day

Edited by H. DE B. GIBBINS, Litt.D., M.A. Crown 8w. 2j. 6d.

A series of volumes upon those topics of social economic, and industrial interest
that are foremost in the public mind.

Each volume is written by an author who is an acknowledged authority upon the
subject with which he deals.

TRADE UNIONISM— NEW AND OLD. By G.

Howell. Third Edition.
THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT TO-DAY. By '

G. J. Holyoake. Fourth Edition.
PROBLEMS OF POVERTY. By J. A. Hobson,

M.A. Fifth Edition.
THE COMMERCE OK NATIONS. By C. F. '

Bastable, M.A. Third Edition.
THE ALIEN INVASION. By W. H. Wilkins.B. A.
THF. RUKAL EXODUS. By P. Anderson

Graham.
LAND NATIONALIZATION. By Harold Cox,

B.A.
A SHORTER WORKING DAY, By H. de Gibbins

and R. A. Hadfield.
BACK TO THE LAND. An Inquiry into Rural

Depopulation. By H. E. Moore.
TRUSTS, POOLS, AND CORNERS. By J. Stephen

Jeans.

THE FACTORY SYSTEM. By R. W. Cooke-

Taylor.
THE STATE AND iTb CHILDREN. By Gertrude

Tuck well.
WOMEN'S WORK. By Lady Dilke, Miss

Bulley, and Miss Whitley.
SOCIALISM AND MODERN THOUGHT. By M.

KaufTmann.
THE PROBLEM OF TUB UNEMPLOYED. By I.

A. Hobson, M.A.
LIKE IN WEST LONDON. By Arthur Sherwell,

M.A. Third Edition.
RAILWAY NATIONALIZATION. By Clement

Edwards.

WOKKHOUSES AND PAUPERISM. By Louisa

Twining.

UNIVERSITY AND SOCIAL SETTLEMENTS. By
W. Reason, M.A.

Methuen's Standard Library

EDITED BY SIDNEY LEE. In Sixpenny Volumes.

MESSRS. METHUEN are publishing a new series of reprints containing both books of classical
repute, which are accessible in various forms, and also some rarer books, of which no satisfactory
edition at a moderate price is in existence. It is their ambition to place the best books of all
nations, and particularly of the Anglo-Saxon race, within the reach of every reader. All th«
great masters of Poetry, Drama, Fiction, History, Biography, and Philosophy will be repre-
sented. Mr. Sidney Lee is the General Editor of the Library, and he contributes a Note to
each book. The characteristics of METHUEN'S STANDARD L i BRAKY are five : — i. SOUNDNESS
OF TEXT. 2. COMPLETENESS. 3. CHEAPNESS. 4. CLEARNESS OF TYPE. 5. SIMPLICITY.
In a few cases very long books are issued as Double Volumes at One Shilling net or as Treble
Volumes at One Shilling and Sixpence net. The volumes may also be obtained in cloth at
One Shilling net, or in the case of a Double or Treble Volume at One and Sixpence net or
Two Shillings net.

These are the early Books, all of which are in the Press—

THE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. In

10 volumes.
VOL. i. — The Tempest ; The Two Gentlemen

of Verona ; The Merry Wives of Windsor ;

Measure for Measure ; The Comedy of

Errors.
VOL. ii. —Much Ado About Nothing ; Love^

Labour's Lost; A Midsummer Night's

Dream ; The Merchant of Venice ; As You

Like It.
VOL. in.— The Taming of the Shrew ; All s

Well that Ends Well; Twelfth Night ; The

Winter's Tale.
* Vol. iv.— The Life and Death of King J ohn ;

The Tragedy of King Richard the Second ;

The Fir t Part of King Henry IV. ; The

Second Part of Kiny Henry iv.

*Vol. v.— The Life of King Henr

'Ihe

Henry v. ;

First Part of King Henry vi. ; The Second
Part of King Henry VI.
* Vol. vi.— The Third Part of King Henry vi. :
The Trage<iy of King Richard in. ; The
Famous History of the Life of Kii:g
Henry viu.

THE Pn GRIM'S PROGRESS. By John Bunyan.
TUB NOVELS OF J ANK AUSTEN. In 3 volumes.

VOL. I. — Sense and Sensibility.
THE ENGLISH WORKS OK FRANCIS BACON,

LORD VERULAM.
Vol. i. — Kbsays and Counsels and the New

Atlantis.

THE POEMS ANDPLAYsonOLiVKR GOLDSMITH.
ON THE IMITATION OK CHRIST. By Thomas

u Kcmpii.

[Cantintud.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

METHUEN'S STANDARD LIBRARY — continued.

THE WORKS of BEN JONSON. In about 12

volumes.

*VoL. i.— The Case is Altered ; Every Man
in His Humour ; Every Man out of His
Humour.

*Vol. ii.— Cynthia's Revels; The Poetaster.
THE PROSE WORKS OF JOHN MILTON.

* VOL. i. — Eikonoklastes and The Tenure of

Kings and Magistrates.
SELECT WORKS OK EDMUND BURKE.

Vol. I. — Reflections on the French Revolution.
THE WORKS OF HENRY FIELDING.

Vol. i. — Tom Jones. (Treble Volume.)
THE POEMS OF THOMAS CHATTERTON. In 2

volumes.

*Vol. i. — Miscellaneous Poems.
*THE LIFE OF NELSON. By Robert Southey.
THE MEDITATIONS OF MARCUS AURELIUS.

Translated by R. Graves.
THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF
THE ROMAN EMPIRE. By Edward Gibbon.
In 7 volumes.

The Notes have been revised by J. 13.
Bury, Litt.D.

THE PLAYS OF CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE.
*Vol. i.— Tamburlane the Great; The Tragi-
cal History of Doctor Faustus.
*THE NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF
SELBORNE. By Gilbert White.

TUB POEMS OF PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY. In

4 volumes.
*Vol. I. — Alastor ; The Daemon of the World ;

The Revolt of Islam, etc.

*Vol. it. — Prometheus Unbound ; TheCenci ;

The Masque of Anarchy ; Peter Bell the

Third ; Ode to Liberty ; The Witch of

Atlas ; Ode to Naples ; CEdipus Tyrannus.

The text has been revised by C. D. Locock.

*THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS.

Translated by W. Heywood.
THE WORKS OF SIR THOMAS BROWNE. In 6

volumes.

*Vol. i.— Religio Medici and Urn Burial.
THE POEMS OK JOHN MILTON. In 2 volumes.
*Vol. I.— Paradise Lost.
*Vol. ii. — Miscellaneous Poemsand Paradise

Regained.
SELECT WORKS OF SIR THOMAS MORE.

*Vol. I. — Utopia and Poems.
*THB ANALOGY OF RELIGION, NATURAL AND

REVEALED. By Joseph Butler, D.D.
*THE PLAYS OF PHILIP MASSINGER.

Vol. I.— The Duke of Milan ; The Bond-
man ; The Roman Actor.
*THE POEMS OK JOHN KEATS.
*TiiE REPUBLIC OF PLATO.
Taylor and Sydenham.

In 2 volumes.
Translated by

Technology, Textbooks of

Edited by PROFESSOR J. WERTHEIMER, F.I.C.
Fully Illustrated.

How TO MAKE A DRESS. By J. A. E. Wood.

Third Edition. Crown&vo. is. 6t/.
CARPENTRY AND JOINERY. By F. C. Webber.

Third Edition. Crown 8v0. 3*. 6d.
PRACTICAL MECHANICS. By Sidney H. Wells.

Third Edition. Crown 1>vo. 3.?. 6d.
PRACTICAL PHYSICS. By H. Stroud, D.Sc.,

M.A. Crown Kvo. 31. 6d.
MILLINERY, THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL.

By Clare Hill. Second Edition. Crown 8va.

2S.

PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY. Part i. By W.
French, M.A. Crown %vo. Third Edition,
is. 6d.

PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY. Part n. By W.

French, M.A., and T. H. Boardman, M.A.

Crown &vo. is. (>d.
TECHNICAL ARITHMETIC AND GEOMETRY.

By C. T. Millis, M.I.M.E. Crown Z->e>.

y.6d.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF TKX-

TILE DESIGN. By Aldred F. Barker. Demy

8v0. js. 6d.
BUILDERS' QUANTITIES. By H. C. Grubb.

Crown &vo. 4f. 6d.
REPOUSS£ MSTAL WORK. By A. C. Horth.

Crown 8vo. 2.1. 6d.

Theology, Handbooks of

Edited by R. L. OTTLEY, D.D., Professor of Pastoral Theology at Oxford,

and Canon of Christ Church, Oxford.

The series is intended, in part, to furnish the clergy and teachers or students of
Theology with trustworthy Text-books, adequately representing the present position
of the questions dealt with ; in part, to make accessible to the reading public an
accurate and concise statement of facts and principles in ail questions bearing on
Theology and Religion.

THE XXXIX. ARTICLES OF THE CHURCH OF
ENGLAND. Edited by E. C. S. Gibson,
D.D. Third and Cheaper Edition in one
V flume. Dttny Sva. iss. 6d.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OK
RELIGION. By F. B. Jevons, M.A.,
Litt.D. Third Edition. Demy &ve.
icu. 6d.

[Continued.

GENERAL LITERATURE

HANDBOOKS OF THEOLOGY— continued.

THE DOCTRINE OF THE INCARNATION. By R.

L. Ottiey, D.D. Second and Cheaper

Edition. Demy Svo. 125. 6d.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE

CREEDS. By A. E. Burn, B.D. Denty

Svo. los. (jd.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION IN ENGLAND

AND AMERICA. By Alfred Caldecott. D.D.

Demy Bvo. ios. 6d.
A HISTORY OF EARLY CHRISTIAN DOCTRINK

ByJ. F. Bethune Baker, M.A. Demylvo.

lot. 6d.

Westminster Commentaries, The

General Editor, WALTER LOCK, D.D., Warden of Keble College,

Dean Ireland's Professor of Exegesis in the University of Oxford.
The object of each commentary is primarily exegetical, to interpret the author's
meaning to the present generation. The editors will not deal, except very subor-
dinately, with questions of textual criticism or philology; but, taking the English
text in the Revised Version as their basis, they will try to combine a hearty accept-
ance of critical principles with loyalty to the Catholic Faith.

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE
TO THE CORINTHIANS. Edited by H. L.
Goudge, M.A. Demy &vo. 6s.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES. Edited with In.

THE BOOK OF GENESIS. Edited with Intro-
duction and Notes by S. R. Driver, D.D.
Fourth. Edition Demy 8vo. lor. 6d.

THE BOOK OF Jon. Edited by E. C. S. Gibson,
D.D. Second Edition. Detnyftvo. 6s.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. Edited by R.
B. Rackham, M.A. Demy Svo. Second and
Cheaper Edition, los. 6d.

troduction and Notes by R. J. Knowling,
M.A. Demy %vo. 6s.

PART II. — FICTION

Albanesi (E. Maria;. SUSANNAH AND

ONE OTHER. Fourth Edition. Crown

Svo. 6s.
THE BLUNDER OF AN INNOCENT.

Second Edition. Crtnvn Bvo. 6s.
CAPRICIOUS CAROLINE. Second Edi-
tion. Crown Bvo. 6s.
LOVE AND LOUISA. Second Edition.

Crown Bvo. 6s.

PETER, A PARASITE. Crown Bvo. 6s.
*THE BROWN EYES OF MARY. Crown

8r<7. 6s.
AUBtey (F.), Author of 'Vice Versa.' A

BAYARD FROM BENGAL. Illustrated

by BERNARD PARTRIDGE. Third Edition.

Crown Bvo. «. 6d.
Bacheller(Irvuig), Author of EbenHolden.'

DARREL OF THE BLESSED ISLES.

Third Edition. C'rmun Bvo. 6s.
BagOt (Richard). A ROMAN MYSTERY.

Third Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.
^THE PASSPORT. Crown Zoo. 6s.
Balfour( Andrew). See Shilling Novels.
Baring-Gould (S.). ARM I NELL. Fifth

Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.
URITH. Fifth Edition. Crown Bve. 6'.
IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA. Seventh

Edition. Crown &vo. 61.
CHEAP JACK 2ITA. Fourth. Edition.

Crown Sr<». 6s.
MARGERY OF QUETHER. Third

Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

THE QUEEN OF LOVE. Fifth Edition.

Crown 8vo. 6s.

JACQUETTA. Third Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.
KITTY ALONE. Fifth Edition. Cr.lv*. 6,.
NOEMI. Illustrated. Fourth Editicn. Crown

TH^E BROOM -SQUIRE. Illustrated.

Fourth Editicn. Crown 6ve. 6s.
DARTMOOR IDYLLS. Crown 6ve. 6t.
THE PENNYCOMEQUICKS. Third

Edition. Croion %vo. 6s.
GUAVAS THE TINNER. Illustrated.

Second Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.
BLADYS. Illustrated. Second Edition.

Crown &vo. 6s.

PA3O THK PRIEST. Crtnvn Svo. 6s.
WINEFRED. Illustrated. Second Edition.

Crown Bvo. 6s.

ROYAL GEORGIE. Illustrated. Cr. &vo. 6s.
MISSQUILLET Illustrated. Cron-nBvo. 6.
CHRIS OF ALL SORTS. CrownSvo. 6s.
INDEWISLAND. Second Edition. Croun

Kvo. 6s.

LITTLE TUTENNY. A Hew Edition. 6d.
See also Shilling Novels.

Barlow (Jane). THK LAND OF THP

SHAMROCK. Crown gp». 61. See also
Shilling Novels.

Barr (Robert). IN THE MIDST OF

ALARMS. Third Edition. Crown 8r». 6*.
' A book which has abundantly sntufied us
by its capital humour.1— Daily Chronicle,

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

THE MUTABLE MANY. Third Edition.

Crown Svo. 6s.

' There is much insight in it, and much

excellent humour.' — Daily Chronicle.
THE COUNTESS TEKLA. Third Edition.

Crown &vo. 6s. _

' Of these mediaeval romances, which are

now gaining ground , "The Countess Tekla

is the very best we have seen. — Pull Mall

Gazette.
THE LADY ELECTRA. Second Edition.

Crown 8vo. 6s.
THE TEMPESTUOUS PETTICOAT.

Third Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Begbie (Harold). THE ADVENTURES

OF SIR JOHN SPARROW. Crown Zvo. 6s.

Belloc(Hilaire). EMMANUEL BURDEN,

MERCHANT. With 36 Illustrations by
G. K. CHESTERTON. Second Edition.
Crown 8z«>. 6s.
Benson (E. F.). See Shilling Novels.

Benson (Margaret). SUBJECT TO

VANITY. CrmvnZvo. 3*. 6^.
Besant (Sir Walter). See Shilling Novels.
Bourne (Harold C.). See V. Langbridge.

Burton (J. Bloundelle). THE YEAR
ONE : A Page of the French Revolution.
Illustrated. Crown Zvo. 6s.

THE FATE OF VALSEC. Crown Svo. 6s.

A BRANDED NAME. Crown Bvo. 6s.
See also Shilling Novels.

Capes (Bernard), Author of 'The Lake of
Wine.' THE EXTRAORDINARY CON-
FESSIONS OF DIANA PLEASE. Third
Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

*A JAY OF ITALY. Crown Svo. 6t.

Cnesney (Weatherby). THE TRAGEDY
OF THE GREAT EMERALD. Crown

THE"' MYSTERY OF A BUNGALOW.
Second Edition. Crmvn Svo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Clifford (Hugh). A FREE LANCE OF

TO-DAY. Crown 8vo. 6s.
Clifford (Mrs. W. K.). See Shilling Novels

and Books for Boys and Girls.
CObb (Thomas). A. CHANGE OF FACE.
Crown 8vo. 6s.

Oorelli (Marie). A ROMANCE OF TWO
WORLDS. Twenty- Fifth Edition. Crown
8vo. 6s.

VENDETTA. Twenty-First Edition. Crown
&z>o. 6s.

THELMA. Thirty-Second Edition. Crown

ARDATH: THE STORY OF A DEAD
SELF. Fifteenth Edition. Crown &vo. 6s.

THE SOUL OF LILITH. Twelfth Edition.
Crown 8vo. 6s.

WORMWOOD. Fourteenth Edition. Crown
Zvo. 6s.

BARABBAS: A DREAM OF THE
•WORLD'S TRAGEDY. Fortieth Edi-
tion. Crown &v0. 6s.

The tender reverence of the treatment
and the imaginative beauty of the writing
have reconciled us t« the daring of the con-
ception. This ' ' Dream of the World'i
Tragedy" is a lofty and not inadequate
paraphrase of the supreme climax of the
inspired narrative.' — Dublin Review.

THE SORROWS OF SATAN. Forty-
Ninth Edition. Crown 8vj. 6s.

' A very powerful piece of work. . . .
The conception is magnificent, and is likely
to win an abiding place within the memory
of man. . . . The author has immense com-
mand of language, and a limitless audacity.
. . . This interesting and remarkable romance
will live long after much of the ephemeral
literature of the day is forgotten. . - . A
literary phenomenon . . . novel, and even
sublime. —W. T. STEAD in the Review cf
Reviews.

THE MASTER CHRISTIAN. i65tA
Thousand- Crown Svo. 6s.

4 It cannot be denied that "The Master
Christian " is a powerful book ; that it is one
likely to raise uncomfortable questions in all
but the most self-satisfied readers, and that
it strikes at the root of the failure of the
Churches — the decay of faith — in a manner
which shows the inevitable disaster heaping
up. . . . The good Cardinal Bonpre is a
beautiful figure, fit to stand beside the good
Bishop in " Les Miserables. " It is a book
with a serious purpose expressed with absolut e
unconventionality and passion. . . . And this
is to say it is a book worth reading.' —

TEMPORAL POWER: A STUDY IN
SUPREMACY. 130^/4 Thousand. Crown
&vo. 6s. _

' It is impossible to read such a work as
" Temporal Power " without becoming con-
vinced that the story is intended to convey
certain criticisms on the ways of the world
and certain suggestions for the betterment
of humanity. . . . If the chief intention of
the book was to hold the mirror up to shams,
injustice, dishonesty, cruelty, and neglect
of conscience, nothing but praise can be given
to that intention.' — Morning Post.

GOD'S GOOD MAN : A SIMPLE LOVE
STORY. 134^ Thousand. Crown Zvt>. 6s.

Cotes (Mrs. Everard). See Sara Jeannette
Duncan.

Cotterell (Constance). THE VIRGIN

AND THE SCALES. Second Edition.
Crown &v0. 6s.
Crane (Stephen) and Barr (Robert).

THE O'RUDDY. Crown Svo. 6.f.
Crockett (S. R.), Author of 'The Raiders,'

etc. LOCHINVAR. Illustrated. Second

Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.
THE STANDARD BEARER. Crown Svo.

6s.
Croker(B. M.). ANGEL. Fourth Edition.

Crown Sva. 6i.

FICTION

33

PEGGY OF THE BARTONS. Sixtk Edit.

Crown Svo. 6s.

THE OLD CANTONMENT. CrownSvo. 6s.
A STATE SECRET. Third Edition. Crown

Svo. -is. 6d.

JOHANNA. Second Edit ion. Crown Svo. 6s.
THE HAPPY VALLEY. Third Edition.

Crtnvn. Svo. 6s.

"TRANSPLANTED. Crtnvn Svo. 6s.
Dawson (A. J.). DANIEL WHYTE.

Crown Svo. y. 6d.
Doyle (A. Conan), Author of 'Sherlock

Holmes,' 'The White Company,' etc.

ROUND THE RED LAMP. Ninth

Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

Duncan (Sara Jeannette) (Mrs. Everard

Cotes). THOSE DELIGHTFUL

AMERICANS. Illustrated. Third

Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.
THE POOL IN THE DESERT. Crown

Svo. 6s.
A VOYAGE OF CONSOLATION. Crown

Svo y. 6d.
Findlater(J.H.). THE GREEN GRAVES

OF BALGOWRIE. Fifth Edition.

Crown Svo. 6s.
Findlater (Mary). A NARROW WAY.

Third Edition. Crow Svo. 6s.
THE ROSE OF JOY. Second Edition.

Crown Svo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Fitzpatrick (K.) THE WEANS AT

ROWALLAN. Illustrated. Second Edi-
tion. Crown Svo. 6s.
Fitzstephen (Gerald). MORE KIN

THAN KIND. Crown Svo. 6s.
Fletcher (J. S.). LUCIA N THE

DREAMER. Crown Svo. 6s.
Fraser (Mrs. Hugh), Author of 'The Stolen

Emperor.' THE SLAKING OF THE

SWORD. Crtnvn Svo. 6s.
•THE SHADOW OF THE LORD. Crown

Svo. 6s.
Gerard (Dorothea), Author of ' Lady Baby.'

THE CONQUEST OF LONDON.

Second Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.
HOLY MATRIMONY. Second Edition.

Crown Svo. 6s.

MADE OF MONEY. Crown Svo. 6s.
THE BRIDGE OF LIFE. Crown Svo. 6s.
*THE IMPROBABLE IDYLL. Crown

Svo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Gerard (Emily). THE HERONS1

TOWER. Crown Svo. 6s.

Svo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Gleig (Charles). BUNTER'S CRUISE.

Illustrated. Crown Svo. $s. 6d.
Harrod(F.) (Franceg Forbes Robertson).
THE TAMING OF THE BRUTE. Crown

Svo. 6s.

Herbertson (Agnes 0.). PATIENCE

DEAN. Crown Svo. 6s.
Hichens (Robert). THE PROPHET OF

KKRKELEY SQUARE. Second Edition

Crown Svo. 6s.
TONGUES OF CONSCIENCE. Second

Edition. Crown Svo. 6t.
FELIX. Fourth Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.
THE WOMAN WITH THE FAN. Sixth

Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.
I5YEWAYS. Crown Svo. y. 6d.
THE GARDEN OF ALLAH. Tenth

Edition. Crtnvn Svo. 6s.
*THE BLACK SPANIEL. Crown Svo. 6s.
Hobbea (John Oliver). Author of ' Robert

Orange.' THE SERIOUS WOOING.

Crown Svo. 6s.

Hope (Anthony). THE GOD IN THE
CAR. Tenth Edition. Crtnvn Svo. 6s.

' A very remarkable book, deserving of
critical analysis impossible within our limit;
brilliant, but not superficial ; well considered,
but not elaborated ; constructed with the
proverbial art that conceals, but yet allows
itself to be enjoyed by readers to whom fine
literary method is a keen pleasure.'— Tht
World.

A CHANGE OF AIR. Sixth Edition.
Crown Svo. 6s.

'A graceful, vivacious comedy, true to
human nature. The characters are traced
with a masterly hand.' — Times.

A MAN OF MARK. Fifth Edition. Crown
Svo. 6s.

'Of all Mr. Hope's books, 'A Man of
Mark" is the one which best compares with
"The Prisoner of Zenda." ' — National
Observer.

THE CHRONICLES OF COUNT AN-
TONIO. Seventh Edition. Crown Svo. 61.
'It is a perfectly enchanting story of lo»e
and chivalry, and pure romance. The
Count is the most constant, desperate, and
modest and tender of lorers, a peerless
gentleman, an intrepid fighter, a faithful
friend, and a magnanimous foe.' — Guardian.

PHROSO. Illustrated by H. R. MILLAR.
Sixth Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

'The tale is thoroughly fresh, quick with
vitality, stirring the blood.'— St. Jamttt
Gatette.

SIMON DALE. Illustrated. Sixth Edition.
Crown Svo. 6s.

'There is searching analysis of human
lature, with a most ingeniously con-
structed plot. Mr. Hope has drawn the
contrasts of his women with marvellous
subtlety and delicacy.' — Times.

THE KING'S MIRROR. Fourth Edition.
Crown Svo. 6s.

' In elegance, delicacy, and tact it ranks
with the best of his novels, while in the
wide range of its portraiture and the subtitty
of its analysts it surpasses all his earlier
ventures. —Sfettator.

34

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

QUISANTE. Fourth. Edition. Crown too.

6s.

' The book is notable for a very high

literary quality, and an impress of power and

mastery on every page.' — Daily Chronicle.
THE DOLLY DIALOGUES. Crown too.

6s.
*A SERVANT OF THE PUBLIC. Crown

too. 6s.
*Hqp« (Graham), Author of ' A Cardinal and

his Conscience,' etc., etc. THE LADY

OF LYTE. Crown too. 6s.

Hough (Emerson). THE MISSISSIPPI

BUBBLE. Illustrated. Crown too. 6s.

*Hqusman (Clemence). AGLOVALE DE

GALIS. Croivn too. 6s.

Hyne (C. J. CutCliffe), Author of ' Captain
Kettle.' MR. HORROCKS, PURSER.
Third E.dition. Crown too. 6s.

Jacobs (W. W.X MANY CARGOES.
Twenty-Seventh Edition. Crown too.
3*. 6d.

SEA URCHINS. Eleventh Edition. Crown
too. $s. 6d.

A MASTER OF CRAFT. Illustrated. Sixth
Edition. Crown too. 3.1. 6d.

' Can be unreservedly recommended to all
who have not lost their appetite for whole-
some laughter.' — Spectator.

' The best humorous book published for
many a day. ' — Black and White.

LIGHT FREIGHTS. Illustrated. Fourth
Edition. Crown too. 3$. 6d.

' His wit and humour are perfectly irre-
sistible. Mr. Jacobs writes of skippers, and
mates, and seamen, and his crew arei the
jolliest lot that ever sailed.' — Daily News.
1 Laughter in every paqe.' — Daily Mail.

James (Henry). THE SOFT SIDE. Second

Edition. Crown too. 6s.
THE BETTER SORT. Crown too. 6s.
THE AMBASSADORS. Second Edition.

Crown too. 6s.
THE GOLDEN BOWL. Third Edition.

C>-«wn too. 6s.

Janson (Gustaf). ABRAHAM'S SACRI-
FICE. Crown 8?>o. 6s.

Keays (H. A. Mitchell). HE THAT
EATETH BREAD WITH ME. Crown
Svo. 6s.

Langbridge (V.) and Bourne (C.

Harold). THE VALLEY OF IN-
HERITANCE. Crown Svo. 6s.

Lawless (Hon. Emily). See Shilling Novels.

Lawson (Harry), Author of 'When the
Billy BoilB.' CHILDREN OF THE
BUSH. Crown Svo. 6s.

Le Queux (W.). THE HUNCHBACK OF
WESTMINSTER. Third Edition. Crown

THE* CLOSED BOOK. Third Edition.

Crown too. 6s.
THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW.

Illustrated. Third Edition. Crown Svo.

6s.

BEHIND THE THRONE. Crown too.

6s.
Levett-Yeats (S.). ORRAIN. Second

Edition. Crown too. 6s.
Linton (E. Lynn). THE TRUE HISTORY

OF JOSHUA DAVIDSON, Christian and

Communist. Twelfth Edition. Medium

too. 6d.

Long (J. Luther), Co- Author of 'The
Darling of the Gods.' MADAME
BUTTERFLY. Crown Svo. 3s. 6d.

SIXTY JANE. Crown too. 6s.

Lyall (Edna). DERRICK VAUGHAN,
NOVELIST. 42nd Thousand. Cr. Svo.
is. 6d.

M'Carthy (Justin H.), Author of ' If I were
King.1 THE LADY OF LOYALTY
HOUSE. Third Edition. Crown Svo.
6s.

THE DRYAD. Second Edition. Crowntoo.
6s.

Macnaughtan(S.). THE FORTUNE OF

CHRISTINA MACNAB. Third Edition.

Crown too. 6s.
Malet (Lucas). COLONEL ENDERBY'S

WIFE. Third Edition. Crowntoo. 6s.
A COUNSEL OF PERFECTION. New

Edition. Crown too. 6s.
LITTLE PETER. Second Edition. Crown

too. js. 6d.
THE WAGES OF SIN. Fourteenth Edition.

Crown too. 6s.
THE CARISSIMA. Fourth Edition. Crown

THE'GATELESS BARRIER. Fourth Ed,:

tion. Crown too. 6s.

'In "The Gateless Barrier" it is at once
evident that, whilst Lucas Malet has pre-
served her birthright of originality, the
artistry, the actual writing, is above even
the high level of the books that were born
before. ' — Westminster Gazette.
THE HISTORY OF SIR RICHARD
CALMADY. Seventh Edition.

'A picture finely and amply conceived.
In the strength and insight in which the
story has been conceived, in the wealth of
fancy and reflection bestowed upon its exe-
cution, and in the moving sincerity of its
pathos throughout, "Sir Richard Calmady"
must rank as the great novel of a great
writer.' — Literature.

' The ripest fruit of Lucas Malet's genius.
A picture of maternal love by turns tender
and terrible. ' — Spectator.

' A remarkably fine book, with a noble
motive and a sound conclusion.' — Pilot.

Mann (Mrs. M. E.). OLIVIA'S SUMMER.

Second Edition. Crown too. 6s.
A LOST ESTATE. A New Edition.

Croien too. 6s.
THE PARISH OF HILBY. A New Edition.

Crown too. 6s.

*THE PARISH NURSE. Crown too. 6s.
GRAN'MA'S JANE. Crown Svo. 6s.

FICTION

35

MRS. PETER HOWARD. Crown 8r». 6j.
A WINTER'S TALE. A New Edition.

Crown Svo. fa.
ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS. A Xew

Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

See also Books for Boys and Girls.
Marriott (Charles), Author of 'The

Column.' GENEVRA. Second Edition.

MarstuRichard). THE TWICKENHAM

PEERAGE. Second Edition. Crown Svo.

6s.

A DUEL. Crown Svo. 6s.
-THE MARQUIS OF PUTNEY. Crown

Sre. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Mason (A. E. W.). Author of ' The Courtship

of Morrice Buckler,' ' Miranda of the Bal-
cony,' etc. CLEMENTINA. Illustrated.

Crown tvo. Second Edition. 6s.
Mathers (Helen), Author of ' Comin' thro'

the Rye.' HONEY. Fourth Edition.

Crown &vo. 6s.
GRIFF OF GRIFFITHSCOURT. Crown

Svo. 6s.

*THE FERRYMAN. Crtwn Svo. 6s.
"Maxwell (W. B.). Author of 'The Ragged

Messenger.' VIVIEN. Crmvn &vo. 6s.
MeadeOLT.). DRIFT. CroivnSvo. 6s.
RESURGAM. Crown &vo. 6s.
See also Shilling Novels.

Meredith (Ellis). HEART OF MY

HEART. Crowntovo. 6s.
'MiBS Molly' (The Author of). THE

GREAT RECONCILER. Crown Svo.

6s.
Mitford (Bertram). THE SIGN OF THE

SPIDER. Illustrated. Sixth Edition.

Crown Svo. js. 6d.
IN THE WHIRL OF THE RISING.

Third Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.
THE RED DERELICT. Second Edition.

Croivn Svo. 6s.

Montresor (F. F.), Author of ' Into the

Highways and Hedges.' THE ALIEN.
Third Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

Morrison (Arthur). TALES OF MEAN
STREETS. Sixth Edition. Crown Svo.
6s.

' A great book. The author s method is
amazingly effective, and produces a thrilling
sense of reality. The writer lays upon us a
master hand. The book is simp!y_appalling
and irresistible in its interest. It is humor-
ous also ; without humour it would not make
the mark it is certain to make.' — World.

A CHILD OF THE JAGO. Fourth Edition.
Crown Svc. 6s.

'The book is a masterpiece.'— /W/ Aft*//
Gazette.

TO LONDON TOWN. Second Edition.
Crown Svo. 6s.

'This is the new Mr. Arthur Morrison,
gracious and tender, sympathetic and
human.'— Daily Telegraph.

CUNNING MURRELL. Crown 8r«. 6t.

' Admirable. . . . Delightful humorous
relief . . . a most artistic and satisfactory
achievement.' — Spectator.
THE HOLE IN THE WALL. Third Edi.
tion. Crown Svo. 6s.

'A masterpiece of artistic realism. It has
a finality of touch that only a master may
command.' — Daily Chronicle.

'An absolute masterpiece, which any
novelist might be proud toclaim.' — Graphic.
' " The Hole in the Wall" is a masterly
piece of work. His characters are drawn
with amazing skill. Extraordinary power.'
— Daily Telegraph.

•DIVERS VANITIES. Crown Svo. 6s.
Nesbit (E.). (Mrs. E. Bland). THE RED
HOUSE. Illustrated. fourth Edition.
Crown Svo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Norris (W. E). THE CREDIT OF THE
COUNTY. Illustrated. Second Edition.
Crown Svo. 6s.
THE EMBARRASSING ORPHAN. Crown

VIGEL'S VOCATION. Crown Svo. 6s.
BARHAM OF BELTANA. Second Edition.

Crown Svo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Ollivant (Alfred). OWD BOB, THE

GREY DOG OF KENMUIR. Eighth

Edition. Crown Svfl. 6s.

Oppenheim (E. Phillips). MASTER OF

MEN. Third Edition. Crown Sro. 6s.
Oxenham (John), Author of ' Barbe of

Grand Bayou.' A WEAVER OF WEBS.

Second Edition. Crown Sro. 6s
THE GATE OF THE DESERT, fourth

Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.

Pain (Barry). THREE FANTASIES.

Crown Svo. it.
LINDLEY KAYS. Third Edition. Crown

Parker (Gilbert). PIERRE AND His

PEOPLE. Sixth Edition.

'Stories happily conceived and finely

executed. There is strength and genius

in Mr. Parker's style.'— Daily Telegraph.
MRS. FALCHION Fifth Edition. Crown

Svo. 6s.
'A splendid study of character.'—

Athenaum.
THE TRANSLATION OF A SAVAGE.

Second Edition. Crown 2t/o. 6t.
THE TRAIL OF THE SWORD. Illus-

trated. Eighth Edition. Crown 9vo. 6s.
'A rousing and dramatic tale. A book

like this is a joy inexpressible.' — Daily

Chronicle.
WHENVALMONDCAMETOPONTIAC:

The Story of a Lost Napoleon. f'i/th

Edition. Crown Svo. 6s.
' Here we find romance — rtal, breathing,

living romance. The character of Valmond

is drawn unerringly.'— Pall Mall Gtutttt.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

AN ADVENTURER OF THE NORTH :
The Last Adventures of 'Pretty Pierre.'
Third Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.

' The present book is full of fine and moving
stones of the great North." — Glasgow
Herald.

THE SEATS OF THE MIGHTY. Illus-
trated. Thirteenth. Edition. Crown Bvo.
6s.

' Mr. Parker has produced a really fine
historical novel.' — Athentrunt.

' A great book.' — Black and White.

THE BATTLE OF THE STRONG: a
Romance of Two Kingdoms. Illustrated.
Fourth Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.

' Nothing more vigorous or more human
has come from Mr. Gilbert Parker than
this novel.' — Literature.

THE POMP OF THE LAVILETTES.
Second Edition. Crown Bvo. y. 6d.

' Unforced pathos, and a deeper knowledge
of human nature than he has displayed be-
fore. '—Pall Mall Gazette.

Pemberton (Max). THE FOOTSTEPS
OF A THRONE. Illustrated. Third
Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.

I CROWN THEE KING. With Illustra-
tions by Frank Dadd and A. Forrestier.
Crown Bvo. 6s.

PMllpOttS (Eden). LYING PROPHETS.
Crown Bvo. 6s.

CHILDREN OF THE MIST. Fifth Edi-
tion. Crown Bvo. 6s.

THE HUMAN BOY. With a Frontispiece.
Fourth Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.

'Mr. Phillpotts knows exactly what
school-boys do, and can lay bare their
inmost thoughts; likewise he shows an all-
pervading sense of humour.' — Academy.

SONS OF THE MORNING. Second
Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.

'A book of strange power and fascination.'
— Morning Post.

THE RIVER. Third Edition. Cr. Bvo. 6s.
'"The River" places Mr. Phillpotts in
the front rank of living novelists.' — Punch.

'Since "Lorna Doone" we have had
nothing so picturesque as this new romance.'
— Birmingham Gazette.

' Mr. Phillpptts's new book is a master-
piece which brings him indisputably into the
front rank of English novelists.' — Pall Mall
Gazette.

' This great romance of the River Dart.
The finest book Mr. Eden Phillpotts has
written.' — Morning Post.

THE AMERICAN PRISONER. Third
Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.

THE SECRET WOMAN. Fourth Edition.
Crown Bvo. 6s.

*KNOCK AT A VENTURE. Crown Bvo.
6s. See also Shilling Novels.

Fickthall (Marmaduke). SAID THE

FISHERMAN. Fifth Edition. Crown
Bvo. 6s

*BRENDLE. Crown Bve. 6s.

'Q,' Author of 'Dead Man's Rock.' THE

WHITE WOLF. Second Edition. Crown

Bvo. 6s.

Rhys (Grace). THE WOOING OF

SHEILA. Second Edition. Crown Bvo.
6s.

THE PRINCE OF LISNOVER. Crown
Bvo. 6s.

Rhys (Grace) and Another. THE DI-
VERTED VILLAGE. With Illustrations
by DOROTHY GWVN JEFFREYS. Crown

Ridjge (W. Pett). LOST PROPERTY.

Second Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.
ERB. Second Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.
A SON OF THE STATE. Crown Bvo.

3s. 6d.
A BREAKER OF LAWS. Crown Bvo.

y. 6d.
MRS. GALER'S BUSINESS. Second

Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.
SECRETARY TO BAYNE, M.P. Crown

Ritchie3(Mrs. David G.). THE TRUTH-
FUL LIAR. Crown Bvo. 6s.

Roberts (C. G. D.). THE HEART OF
THE ANCIENT WOOD. Crown Bvo.
3s. 6d.

Russell (W. Clark). MY DANISH

SWEETHEART. Illustrated. Fifth
Edition. Crown Bvo. 6s.
HIS ISLAND PRINCESS. Illustrated.
Second Edition. Crown 6vo. 6s.
See also Shilling Novels.

Sergeant (Adeline). ANTHEA'S WAY.

Crown Bvo. 6s.
THE PROGRESS OF RACHEL. Crown

THlf MYSTERY OF THE MOAT. Second

Edition. Cro^un Bvo. 6s.
MRS. LYGON'S HUSBAND. Cr. Bvo. 6s.
See also Shilling Novels.

Shannon (W. F.). THE MESS DECK.

Crown Bvo. y. 6d.

See also Shilling Novels.
Sonnichsen (Albert). DEEP SEA VAGA-
BONDS. Crown Bvo. 6s.

Thompson (Vance). SPINNERS OF

LIFE. Crown Bvo. 6s.
*Urquhart(M.) A TRAGEDY IN COM-
MONPLACE. Crown Bvo. 6s.

Waineman (Paul). BY A FINNISH

LAKE. Crown Bvo. 6s.
THE SONG OF THE FOREST. Crown
Bvo. 6s. See also Shilling Novels.

Watson (H. B. Marriott). ALARUMS

AND EXCURSIONS. Crown Bvo. 6s.
CAPTAIN FORTUNE. Second Edition.

Crown Bvo. 6s.
*TWISTED EGLANTINE. With % Illus.

trations by FRANK CRAIG. Crown Bvo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Wells (H. G.) THE SEA LADY. Crown

Bvo, 6s.

FICTION

37

Weyman (Stanley), Author of ' A Gentleman

of France.1 UNDER THE RED ROBE.

With Illustrations by R. C. WOODVILUE.

Nineteenth Edition, Crown &vo. 6s.
White (Stewart E.). Author of ' The Blazed

Trail.' CONJUROR'S HOUSE. A

Romance of the Free Trail. Second Edition.

Crown S-'t>. 6s.
White (Percy). THE SYSTEM. Third

Edition. Crown Zvo. 6s.
•THE PATIENT MAN. Crown 8vo. 6s.
Williamson (Mrs. C. N.), Author of ' The

Barnstormers.' THE ADVENTURE OF

PRINCESS SYLVIA. Crown &vo. 3*. 6d.
THE WOMAN WHO DARED. Crvnm

Sva. 6s.

THE SEA COULD TELL; S,c«nd Edition,

Crown ivo. 6s.
THE CASTLE OF THE SHADOWS.

Third Edition. Crown &vo. 6s.

See also Shilling Novels.
Williamson (C. N. and A. M.). THE

LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR: Being the

Romance of a Motor Car. Illustrated.

Eleventh Edition. Crou<n Bvo. 6s.
THE PRINCESS PASSES. Illustrated.

Fourth Edition. Crown %vo. 6s.
*MY FRIEND THE CHAUFFEUR. With

16 Illustrations. Crmvn 8vo. 6s.
*Wyllarde (Dolf), Author of 'Uriah the

Hittite.1 THE FORERUNNERS. Crown

Svo. 6s.

Methuen's Shilling Novels

Crown 8v0. Cloth, is. net.

ENCOURAGED _by the great and steady sale of their Sixpenny Novels, Messrs. Metbuen have
determined to issue a new series of fiction at a low price under the title of ' M KTIIUEN 's SHILLING
NOVELS.' These books are well printed and well bound in cloth, and the excellence of their
quality may be gauged from the names of those authors who contribute the early volumes of
the series.

Messrs. Methuen would _point out that the books are as good and as long as a six shilling
novel, that they are bound in cloth and not in paper, and that their price is One Shilling net.
They feel sure that the public will appreciate such good and cheap literature , and the books can
be seen at all good booksellers.
The first volumes are —

Baifour (Andrew). VENGEANCE is

MINE.

TO ARMS.

Baring-Gould (S,). MRS. CURGENVEN

OF CURGENVEN.
DOMITIA.
THE FROBISHERS.
Barlow (Jane). Author of 'Irish Idvlls.

FROM THE EAST UNTO THE WEST
A CREEL OF IRISH STORIES.
THE FOUNDING OF FORTUNES.
Barr (Robert). THE VICTORS.
Bartram (George). THIRTEEN EVEN-

INGS.
Benson (E. F.), Author of 'Dodo.' THE

CAPSINA.
Besant (Sir Walter). A FIVE-YEARS'

TRYST.
Bowles (G.Stewart). A STRETCH OFF

THE LAND.

Brooke (Emma). THE POET'S CHILD.
Bullock (Shan F.). THE BARRYS.
THE CHARMER.
THE SQUIREEN.
THE RED LEAGUERS.
Burton (J. Bloundelle). ACROSS THE

SALT SEAS.
THE CLASH OF ARMS.
DENOUNCED.
Chesney (Weatherby). THE BAPTIST

RING.

THE BRANDED PRINCE.
THE FOUNDERED GALLEON.
JOHN TOPP.

Clifford (Mrs. W. K.). A FLASH OF

SUMMER.
Collingwood (Harry). THE DOCTOR

OF THE 'JULIET.'
Cornfield (L. Cope). SONS OF ADVER-

SITY.
Crane (Stephen). WOUNDS IN THE

RAIN.
Denny (C. E.). THE ROMANCE OF

UPFOLD MANOR.
Dickson (Harris). THE BLACK WOLF'S

BREED.
Embree (E. C. F.). THE HEART OF

FLAME.
Fenn (G. Manville). AN ELECTRIC

SPARK.

Findlater (Mary). OVER THE HILLS.
Forrest (R. E.). THE SWORD OF

AZRAEL.

Francis (M. E.). MISS ERIN.
Gallon (Tom). RICKERBY'S FOLLY.
Gerard (Dorothea). THINGS THAT

HAVE HAPPENED.
Glanville (Ernest). THE DESPATCH

R1DKR.

THE LOST REGIMENT.
THE INCA'S TREASURE.
Gordon (Julien). MRS. CLYDE.
WORLD'S PEOPLE.
GOS3 (C. F.). THE REDEMPTION OF

DAVID CORSON.

Hales (A. O.). JA1R THE APOSTATE.
Hamilton (Lord Ernest). MARY HAMIL-
TON.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

Harrison (Mrs. Burton). A PRINCESS-

OF THE HILLS. Illustrated.
Hooper (I.). THE SINGER OF MARLY.

Hough (Emerson). THE MISSISSIPPI
BUBBLE.

•Iota' (Mrs. Caffyn). ANNE MAULE-
VERER.

Kelly (Florence Finch). WITH HOOPS
OF STEEL.

Lawless (Hon. Emily). MAELCHO.

Linden (Annie). A WOMAN OF SENTI-
MENT.

Lorimer (Norma). JOSIAH'S WIFE.

Lush (Charles K.). THE AUTOCRATS.

Macdonnell (A.). THE STORY OF
TERESA.

Macgrath (Harold). THE PUPPET

CROWN.

Mackie (Pauline Bradford). THE VOICE
IN THE DESERT.

M'QueenGray(E.) MY STEWARDSHIP.

Marsh (Richard). THE SEEN AND
THE UNSEEN.

GARNERED.

A METAMORPHOSIS.

MARVELS AND MYSTERIES.

BOTH SIDES OF THE VEIL.

Mayall (J. W.). THE CYNIC AND THE
SYREN

Meade (L/T.). OUT OF THE FASHION.

Monkhouse (Allan). LOVE IN A LIFE.

Moore (Arthur). THE KNIGHT PUNC-
TILIOUS.

Nesbit (Mrs. Bland). THE LITERARY
SENSE.

Norris (W. E.). AN OCTAVE.

Oliphant (Mrs.). THE PRODIGALS.

THE LADY'S WALK.

SIR ROBERT'S FORTUNE.

THE TWO MARY'S.

Penny (Mrs. F. A.). A MIXED MARRI-

AGE.
Phillpotts (Eden). THE STRIKING

HOURS.
FANCY FREE.

Randal (J.). AUNT BETHIA'S BUTTON.
Raymond (Walter). FORTUNE'S DAR.

Rhya (Grace). THE DIVERTED VILL-

AGE.
Rickert (Edith). OUT OF THE CYPRESS

SWAMP.
Roberton(M.H-). A GALLANT QUAKER.

Saunders (Marshall). ROSE A CHAR-

LITTE.
Sergeant (Adeline). ACCUSED AND

ACCUSER.

BARBARA'S MONEY.
THE ENTHUSIAST.
A GREAT LADY.
THE LOVE THAT OVERCAME.
THE MASTER OF BEECHWOOD.
UNDER SUSPICION.
THE YELLOW DIAMOND.
Shannon (W. P.). JIM TWELVES.
Strain (E. H.). ELMSLIE'S DRAG NET.
Stringer (Arthur). THE SILVER POPPY.
Stuart (Esme). CHRISTALLA.
Sutherland (Duchess of). ONE HOUR

JAND THE NEXT.

Swan (Annie). LOVE GROWN COLD.
Swift (Benjamin). SORDON.
Tanqueray (Mrs. B. M.), THE ROYAL

QUAKER.
Trafford-Taunton (Mrs. E. W.). SILENT

DOMINION.
Waineman(Paul). A HEROINE FROM

FINLAND.
Watson!(H. B. Marriott-). THE SKIRTS

OF HAPPY CHANCE.

Books for Boys and Girls

Crown %vo. 3^. dd.

THE GETTING WELL OF DOROTHY. By Mrs.
W. K. Clifford. Illustrated by Gordon-
Browne. Second Edition.

THE ICELANDER'S SWORD. By S. Baring-
Gould.

ONLY A GUARD-ROOM DOG. By Edith E.
Cuthell.

THE DOCTOR OF THE JULIET. By Harry
Collingwood.

LITTLE PETER. By Lucas Malet. Second
Edition.

MASTER ROCKAFELLAR'S VOYAGE. By W.
Clark Russell.

THE SECRET OF MADAME DE MONLUC. By

the Author of " Mdlle. Mori."
SYD BELTON : Or, the Boy who would not go

to Sea. By G. Manville Fenn.
THE RED GRANGE. By Mrs. Molesworth.
A GIRL OF THE PEOPLE. By L. T. Meade.
HEPSY GIPSY. By L. T. Meade. as. 6rf.
THE HONOURABLE Miss. By L. T. Meade.
THERE WAS ONCE A PRINCE. By Mrs. M. E.

Mann.
WHEN ARNOLD COMES HOME. By Mrs. M. E.

Mann.

-AM

The Novels of Alexandra Dumas

Prke 6d. Double Volumes, is.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS. With a long THE CORSICAN BROTHERS.

Introduction by Andrew Lang. Double

volume.

THE PRINCE OF THIEVES. Second Edition.
ROBIN HOOD. A Sequel to the above.

GEORGBS.

CROP-EARED JACQUOT ; JANE ; Etc.

TWENTY YEARS AFTER. Double volume.

AMAURY.

FICTION

39

THE CASTLE OF EPPSTEIN.

THE SNOWBALL, and SULTANETTA.

CECILE; OR, THE WEDDING Gown.

ACT*.

THE BLACK TULIP.

THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELONNE.

Part i. Louis de la Valliire. Double

Volume.
Part ii. The Man in the Iron Mask.

Double Volume.
THE CONVICT'S SON.
THE WOLF-LEADER.
NANON ; OR, THE WOMEN'S WAR. Double

volume.

PAULINE; MURAT; AND PASCAL BRUNO.
THE ADVENTURES or CAPTAIN PAMPHILE.
FERNANDE.
GABRIEL LAMBERT.
CATHERINE BLUM.
THE CHEVALIER D'HARMENTAL. Double

volume.
SYLVANDIRE.
THE FENCING MASTER.
THE REMINISCENCES OF ANTONY.
•"CONSCIENCE.
*THE REGENT'S DAUGHTER. A Sequel to

Chevalier d'Harmental.

Illustrated Edition.
THR THREE MUSKETEERS. Illustrated in

Colour by Frank Adams, vs. f>d.
THE PRINCE OF THIEVES. Illustrated in

Colour by Frank Adams. ?s.

ROBIN HOOD THK OUTLAW. Illustrated in
Colour by Frank Adams, at.

THE CORSICAN BROTHERS. Illustrated in
Colour by A. M. M'Lellan. it. fxt.

THE WOLF-LEADER. Illustrated in Colour
by Frank Adams, i*. 6tf.

GEORUES. Illustrated in Colour by Munro Orr.
at.

TWENTY YEARS AFTER. Illustrated in Colour
by Frank Adams, y.

AMAURT. Illustrated in Colour by Gordon
Browne, at.

THE SNOWBALL, and SULTANETTA. Illus-
trated in Colour by Frank Adams, as.

*THK VICOMTE DB BRACELONNE. Illustrated
in Colour by Frank Adams. 3*. 6tf.

*CROP-EARED JACQUOT ; JANK; Etc. Illus-
trated in Colour by Gordon Browne, it. t,f.

THE CASTLE OF EPPSTMN. Illustrated in
Colour by Stewart Orr. is. (id.

*ACTB. Illustrated in Colour by Gordon
Browne, it. f>d.

*CECILE; OR, THE WEDDING GOWN. Illus-
trated in Colour by D. Murray Smith.
is. 6J.

*THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN PAMPHILE.
Illustrated in Colour by Frank Adams.
is. 6d.

*FERNANDE. Illustrated in Colour by Munro
Orr. aj.

"THE BLACK TULIP. Illustrated in Colour by
A. Orr. if. 6d.

Methuen's Sixpenny Books

Austen (Jane). PRIDE AND PRE-
JUDICE.

Baden-Powell (Major-General R. S. S.).
THE DOWNFALL OF PREMPEH.

Bagot (Richard). A ROMAN MYSTERY.

Balfour (Andrew). BY STROKE OF
SWORD.

Baring-Gould (S.). FURZE BLOOM.

CHEAP JACK ZITA.

KITTY ALONE.

URITH.

THE BROOM SQUIRE.

IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA.

NOEMI

A BOOK. OF FAIRY TALES. Illustrated.

LITTLE TU'PENNY.

THE FROBISHERS.

'WINEFRED.

Barr (Robert). JENNIE BAXTER,
JOURNALIST.

IN THE MIDST OF ALARMS.

THE COUNTESS TEKLA.

THE MUTABLE MANY.

Benson (E. F.). DODO.

liloundelle-Burton (J.). ACROSS THE
SALT SEAS.

BrontS (Charlotte). SHIRLEY.

Brownell (C. L.). THE HEART OF
JAPAN.

Caffyn (Mrs.), ' Iota.' ANNE MAULE-

VERER.
Clifford (Mrs. W. K.). A FLASH OF

SUMMER.

MRS. KEITH'S CRIME.
Connell (F. Norreys). THE NIGGER

KNIGHTS.

'Cooper (E. H.). A FOOL'S YEAR.
•Corbett (Julian). A BUSINESS IN-
GREAT WATERS.
Croker (Mrs. B. M.). PEGGY OF THE

BARTONS.
A STATE SECRET.
ANGEL. JOHANNA.

Dante (Alighieri). THE VISION OF

DANTEfCARY).
Doyle (A. Conan). ROUND THE RED

LAMP.
Duncan (Sarah Jeannette). A VOYAGE

OF CONSOLATION.

THOSE DELIGHTFUL AMERICANS. '
Eliot (George). THE MILL ON THE

FLOSS.
Findlater (Jane H.). THE GREEN

GRAVES OF BALGOWRIE.
Gallon (Tom). RICKERBY'S FOLLY.
Gaskell (Mrs.). CRANFORD.
MARY BARTON.
NORTH ANL) SOUTH.

MESSRS. METHUEN'S CATALOGUE

Oerard (Dorothea). HOLY MATRI-
MONY.

THE CONQUEST OF LONDON.

aissing(aeorge). THE TOWN TRAVEL-
LER.

THE CROWN OF LIFE.

OlanviUe (Ernest). THE I N C A* S
TREASURE.

THE KLOOF BRIDE.

Olelg (Charles). HUNTER'S CRUISE.

arlmm (The Brothers). GRIMM'S

FAIRY TALES. Illustrated.
Hope (Anthony). A MAN OF MARK.
A CHANGE OF AIR.
THE CHRONICLES OF COUNT

ANTONIO.
PHROSO.

THE DOLLY DIALOGUES.
Uornung (E. W.). DEAD MEN TELL

NO TALES.
Ingraham (J. H.); THE THRONE OF

DAVID.
Le Queux (W.). THE HUNCHBACK OF

WESTMINSTER.

Linton (E. Lynn). THE TRUE HIS-
TORY OF JOSHUA DAVIDSON.
Lyall (Edna). DERRICK VAUGHAN.
Malet (Lucas). THE CARISSIMA.
A COUNSEL OF PERFECTION.
Mann (Mrs. M. E.) MRS. PETER

HOWARD.
A LOST ESTATE.
THE CEDAR STAR.
Marchmont (A. W.). MISER HOAD-

LEY'S SECRET.
A MOMENT'S ERROR.
Marryat (Captain). PETER SIMPLE.
JACOB FAITHFUL.
Marsh (Richard). THE TWICKENHAM

PEERAGE.
THE GODDESS.
THE JOSS.

Mason (A. E. W.). CLEMENTINA.
Mathers (Helen). HONEY.
GRIFF OF GRIFFITHSCOURT.
SAM'S SWEETHEART.
Meade (Mrs. L. T.). DRIFT.
Mitford (Bertram). THE SIGN OF THE

SPIDER.

Montresor (P. P.). THE ALIEN.

Moore (Arthur). THE GAY DECEIVERS
Morrison (Arthur). THE HOLE IN

THE WALL.

Nesbit (E.). THE RED HOUSE.
Norris (W. E.). HIS GRACE.
GILES INGILBY.
THE CREDIT OF THE COUNTY.
LORD LEONARD.
MATTHEW AUSTIN.
CLARISSA FURIOSA.
Oliphant (Mrs.). THE LADY'S WALK.
SIR ROBERT'S FORTUNE.
Oppenhelm (E. Phillips). MASTER OF

MEN.

Parker (Gilbert). THE POMP OF THE

LAVILETTES.

WHEN VALMONDCAMETOPONTIAC.
THE TRAIL OF THE SWORD.
Pemberton (Max). THE FOOTSTEPS

OF A THRONE.
I CROWN THEE KING.
Fhillpotts (Eden). THE HUMAN BOY.
'CHILDREN OF THE MIST.
Ridge(W. Pett). A SON OF THE STATE.
LOST PROPERTY.
GEORGE AND THE GENERAL.

Russell (W. Clark). A MARRIAGE AT

SEA.

ABANDONED.

MY DANISH SWEETHEART.
Sergeant (Adeline), THE MASTER OF

BEECHWOOD.
BARBARA'S MONEY.
THE YELLOW DIAMOND.
Surtees (E. S.). HANDLEY CROSS.

Illustrated.
MR. SPONGE'S SPORTING TOUR.

Illustrated.

ASK MAMMA. Illustrated.
Valentine (Major E. S.). VELDT AND

LAAGER.

Walford (Mrs. L. B.) MR. SMITH.
THE BABY'S GRANDMOTHER.

Wallace (General Lew). BEN-HUR.

THE FAIR GOD.

Watson (H. B. Marriot). THE ADVEN-
TURERS.

Weekes (A. B.). PRISONERS OF WAR.
Wella(H.G.). THE STOLEN BACILLUS.

A 000 679 577 7